Cycle Pembrokeshire

|Name like '%Brunel Trail%'|Route like '%Brunel Trail%'

Brunel Trail

Overview

The Trail follows the route of the rail link built between 1852-6 under the direction of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the most famous of all Victorian Engineers. From Merlins Bridge you pass through the water meadows of Cinnamon Grove and ascend to a small plateau offering panoramic views across open countryside.

You then descend into the solitude of Bolton Hill Woods. Once through the railway cutting at Johnston, the Trail runs along the track bed of the former Great Western Railway leading eventually through Westfield Pill Nature Reserve, Neyland Marina and on to the southern end of the route at Brunel Quay.

On returning to Haverfordwest, relax on the river bank alongside County Hall and admire the views, or walk to the remains of the town’s Castle or Priory. Cross the footbridge and the Priory is about 300 yards to the left by the side of the river. Alternatively cross the road bridge and the castle is up a flight of steps leading from Castle Square on the right. Cycle stands are available at weekends on the river side of County Hall and others available at all times at the north-eastern and north-western ends of the nearby multi-storey car park, and at the railway station.

Fact File

Distance

19 miles (30 km)

Time

4 hours plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

County Hall, Haverfordwest (Grid Ref SM956155, Sat Nav SA61 1TP). County Hall can be seen from Salutation Square Roundabout, Haverfordwest and the entrance is signed. The car park is available (free) for users of the Trail at weekends. Other nearby car parks are available on weekdays (charges apply) and all have cycle paths (on the road side) that connect to the start of the Trail

Nearest Station

Haverfordwest  1/4 mile (cycle path leads to start of Trail)

Terrain

Mainly on a tarmacked traffic free path with a few minor road crossings. Some gentle uphill sections between Haverfordwest and Johnston but reasonably flat or very shallow sloping elsewhere

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections)  -  317 metres

Refreshments

Cafe on Brunel Quay (with cycle stands), Johnston and Haverfordwest

Toilets

Brunel Quay and Haverfordwest

Alternative start

Brunel Quay, Neyland (Grid Ref SM966048, Sat Nav SA73 1LS) (5 miles from Johnston Station)

Highlights

Mostly off-road linking Haverfordwest with Johnston and Neyland – once the terminus of Brunel’s Great Western Railway. Sites include woodlands, a wildlife reserve, Brunel Quay and the picturesque Cleddau estuary. A medieval castle and priory await your return. This Trail includes the shorter Westfield Trail.

Grade: Moderate 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start: Turn right out of County Hall following the cycle path adjacent to the busy Freemans Way road

1.1: Carry straight on alongside roundabout, cross road at signals following National Cycle Network Route 4 signs for Neyland. Just beyond McDonald’s the path again crosses the road and continues on for about 250 yards. Turn left at the first turn

1.5: Continue straight on passing the entrance to Under the Hills Caravan Park. After about 150 yards turn left over bridge following Route 4 sign for Neyland. Continue on this path for nearly 2 miles

3.5: Cross road and continue on path through Bolton Hill Woods. This next section is a surfaced bridleway with small gates that will need to be opened and closed

4.3: At the ‘T’ junction on the Trail turn left over a cattle grid. This next short section also serves as a farm access so be aware as you may encounter an occasional motorised vehicle. After crossing the railway bridge, turn right onto the traffic free path

4.9: Carry straight on (path to left leads into Johnston village and railway station). You will soon be following the route of a disused railway leading all the way down to Westfield Pill Nature Reserve and Neyland Marina. On route take care at 3 minor road crossings

8.5: Carry straight ahead on the low level path (Route 4 parts company with the Brunel Trail at this point, leading up the hill on the right and over the high level bridge you see ahead). Follow the Trail under the bridge

8.9: Start of the section of Trail alongside Neyland marina. Take care as this is no longer traffic free although vehicle usage is light and the road is traffic calmed. The Trail continues past a waterfront cafe (with cycle stands) and on past a number of boat yards to the Brunel Quay car park

9.5: Brunel Quay car park. Turn around and follow the same route back to Haverfordwest

19.0: County Hall, Haverfordwest – end of Trail

Points of interest along the way

Haverfordwest Castle

Interesting remains of a Norman castle overlooking the town and surrounding area. It was later used as a prison up until 1878. The Town Museum is housed in the former Governor’s house in the castle grounds. Entry to the castle is free at all times but fees apply for the museum which is open April to October (10am to 4pm), Monday to Saturday

Haverfordwest Priory

Remains of an early C13th Augustinian priory with the only surviving ecclesiastical medieval garden in Britain.

Bolton Hill Woods

A traditional broadleaf woodland with secluded stream. There is evidence of early coal mining in the woods

Westfield Pill Nature Reserve

A sheltered inlet with lagoons and islands which provide a sanctuary for hundreds of different species of birds and animals including herons, otters and over 20 varieties of butterfly

Neyland Marina

One of the largest and prettiest yacht havens in Wales

Brunel Quay

Until the mid C19th, Neyland was a quiet fishing village. In 1856, the renowned engineer Brunel established an Irish Packet Service at what was then named ‘New Milford’, and developed a wide range of infrastructure projects including a quay and rail link to support the ferry service. Numerous information boards on the quayside detail the history of this exciting project. The ferry service ended in 1906 and the railway closed in 1964. This part of Neyland languished until its transformation under an ambitious regeneration plan drawn up in the mid 1980s. Brunel Quay has impressive views of the Cleddau Bridge and Estuary

ID: 3692, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Cardi Bach%'|Route like '%Cardi Bach%'

Cardi Bach Trail

Overview

The Trail starts near the former railway station at Cardigan and very soon winds its way into Pembrokeshire along a section of disused railway line affectionately known as the Cardi Bach. The railway closed in the early 60s as did so many other branch lines in the country.

There are future aspirations to open up the route from Cardigan all the way to Whitland as a community walking and cycling trail but progress will, of course, be dependent on many factors.

On the Trail you will have an opportunity to visit Cilgerran Castle and church, as well as the Wales Wildlife Centre. It is also worth visiting Cardigan Castle if time allows at the end of the Trail – just continue on the cycleway alongside the river to a set of cycle stands near the end of the old bridge. The castle is on the other side of the bridge with the entrance just up the hill.

 Fact File

Highlights

Teifi river and marshes, wildlife and castles

Grade: Easy  

Distance

51/2  miles (9 km)

Time

11/4 hours plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

The Old Station, Cardigan (Grid Ref SN181458, Sat Nav SA43 3AD) Approach Cardigan town from the south (B4546) and at the bottom of the hill turn right into Station Road (signed Pentood Ind. Est. on the downhill approach). Where Station Road bears right, turn left and immediately right past the old disused railway station building and platform on the left. The Trail starts at the end of this lane

Nearest Station

None within 5 miles

Terrain

Traffic free and quiet lanes. Mostly flat with a couple of gentle hills at the Cilgerran end of the Trail and on the Wildlife Centre approach

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections)  -  89 metres

Refreshments

Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran and Cardigan

Toilets

Cardigan Castle, Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran Castle, Coracle Centre

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start: Just beyond the Old Station, Cardigan, cycle under the bridge and on through the Teifi Marshes Wildlife Reserve on a traffic free path

0.7: Straight on at access to Wales Wildlife Centre on left

2.1: Turn left at bottom of short hill (just prior to a ‘T’ junction) following cycle route sign. Follow this back road towards Cilgerran. You will pass the St Llawddog Church on the right.

2.6: Immediately after a sharp right turn in the road, turn left along a narrow road. Cilgerran Castle is a very short distance up this road on the left. After visiting the castle, turn around and follow the same route back to the Wales Wildlife Centre. If you want to spend more time at Cilgerran, turn immediately left outside the castle access along a very narrow track that leads to a ‘T’ junction. There are cycle stands if you turn right out of this junction. Take time to explore the village on foot or walk down to the nearby Coracle Centre alongside the river. Then return past the castle entrance along the same narrow track as before

4.5: Turn right for a visit to the Welsh Wildlife Centre. There are cycle stands on site. Then return, turn right at the Centre access and head on through the Wildlife Reserve once again and on to the end of the Trail.

 

Points of interest along the way

Cardigan Castle

Dates back to C12th and location of the first Eisteddfod in Wales in 1176. Open 10am – 4pm (11am – 3pm winter). Fees apply

Teifi Marshes Wildlife Reserve

One of the best wetland reserves in Wales. Allow time for plenty of stops for spotting wildlife. Perhaps you’ll see the blue flash of a kingfisher in flight, an otter or the water buffalo that graze the marshes 

Wales Wildlife Centre

Award winning Visitor Centre nestled in lush countryside along the banks of River Teifi. Includes the magnificent Glasshouse Cafe and shop. Open 10am – 5pm (10am – 4pm winter)

Cilgerran Church

Early medieval on site of C6th Celtic church. Famous for its megalithic standing stone in the churchyard on which the ancient Ogham script can still be seen. Unfortunately the church itself is sometimes locked

Cilgerran Castle

A delightful C13th ruined castle. Said to be one of the most picturesque in Wales, it was painted and sketched several times by the artist Turner. It stands in a commanding position, perched on a craggy promontory, high above the River Teifi. Open 10am – 5pm (10am – 4pm winter). Fees apply except in winter

Coracle Centre

Famous for the annual coracle race in August and access to lovely walks along the river through the Teifi Gorge

ID: 3693, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Castle2Castle%'|Route like '%Castle2Castle%'

Castle 2 Castle Trail

Overview

This interesting Trail enables users to view and explore the impressive ruined castles of Pembroke and Carew, and the lovely waterways that partly surround them including local nature reserves. You visit an ancient tidal mill, a medieval church, and even a building once used to deposit human bones

Fact File

Highlights

The Trail is mostly off-road and includes some magnificent sites including castles, a tidal mill and a number of picturesque waterways and nature reserves

Grade: Moderate  

Distance

13.4  miles (21.7km)

Time

21/2  hours plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

West Street Car Park, Pembroke (Grid Ref SM982013, Sat Nav SA71 4ET) which is a free car park. Turn into West Street from Common Road, Pembroke (junction near Pelican Crossing). After just over 100 yards turn right under a 6’6” height barrier into the car park. Make sure roof mounted bikes are removed before driving into car park. Nearby car parks (with fees) are available if the barrier presents a problem. The Trail starts at the far end of the car park

Nearest Station

Pembroke 0.6 mile (Turn left out of station on narrow path under bridge then left along path for 50 yards to ‘T’ junction. Turn right and join a path on the right just before ‘T’ junction. Cross road before roundabout and turn left after 30 yards down Goose’s Lane. Carry on alongside the old town walls, cross on the lights and carry on following the side of the park to West Street car park)

Terrain

About half the route is on a surfaced traffic free path running alongside main roads. There are a number of road crossings but traffic islands and traffic lights on the busiest ones make it easier to cross. Careful supervision of younger cyclists will, however, be necessary at these points. Gradients are generally shallow but a little steeper near the start, after Carew Cheriton (the longest uphill section), and on  the approach lane back into Pembroke. None of these hills should provide a problem to anyone used to cycling

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 249 metres

Refreshments

Pembroke, Milton and Carew

Toilets

Pembroke and Carew

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start: Follow the level path alongside the edge of the park, cross the road and continue on the wide path around the outside of Pembroke Castle Pond. (The castle entrance is to the right up the hill on the road signed ‘Town Centre’). About 100 yards after crossing the Castle Pond barrage, turn left and then bear left and right where the path joins a housing estate road. Follow this estate road up a gentle hill for about 200 yards until you approach a ‘T’ junction adjacent to a filling station

0.6: Join the path on the left just before the ‘T’ junction. Continue on this path to the top of the hill and go straight ahead crossing the road signed for the Leisure Centre and Golf Course. Follow the path down the hill, negotiate the barrier and cross the   junction signed Hospital and Dockyard. At the bottom of the hill the path leads you through a short tunnel and you will then approach a signal controlled junction

1.7: Turn right across the junction and follow the path alongside the busy A477 road for nearly 11/2 miles

3.0: Immediately beyond a side road crossing, the path crosses the main road. Continue across the junction of a side road signed for Cosheston and follow the path alongside  the main road for a further 21/2 miles to the village of Milton. The path turns towards the Milton Brewery Inn. Cross the side road and follow the path by the red telephone kiosk

6.0: At the roundabout follow the path to the left towards Carew. After 500 yards you will arrive at Carew Castle car park for an optional but very worthwhile visit to the castle ruins and Carew Cross. Cycle stands are available at the entrance to the car park with toilets opposite. Take the lane running alongside the walled perimeter of the castle grounds. Just beyond the end of this wall, bear right and you will arrive at Carew Tidal Mill and barrage with lovely views over the millpond to the castle and the medieval bridge in the distance. Consider breaking your journey at this point before retracing your route back to the castle car park and on to the roundabout

7.5: At the roundabout, carry straight on across the A477 road. Take care as this crossing can be quite busy. After 50 yards, rejoin a quiet road at the crossroads and carry on down the road signed Carew Cheriton. An optional and very brief diversion (less than one mile round trip) to the east from the above crossroads brings you to a restored   wartime control tower on the old Carew Airfield.  Unfortunately it’s only open in the summer months and usually on Saturday mornings and Sundays, but it’s well worth a visit. Heading down to Carew Cheriton for nearly 300 yards you will arrive at St Mary’s Church and The Charnel House. After a brief stop, cross the very narrow bridge on the other side of the road and follow this path for about 1/3 mile. It’s necessary to push your bike over the first section of this narrow path for safety reasons. A stroll around the Carding Mill Nature Trail may be taken if time allows

8.0: Turn left at the end of the path just beyond the old red waterworks building and cycle up a hill for nearly a mile. Turn right before the brow of the hill onto a road signed Deer Park Lane. Follow this lane for about 21/2 miles

11.3: Take care crossing the main A4075 road into Golden Lane (to the right of the cottage). Follow this lane for nearly a mile until you pass under a railway bridge after a fairly short uphill section. About 50 yards beyond the bridge turn left onto a narrow path just to the left of the entrance into Golden Manor Nursery. Dismount and push you bike along the first section of this path until it widens and continues alongside the Pembroke Millpond

12.8: Cross the road at the Millpond Bridge (it is recommended that you dismount and push your bike across using the Zebra Crossing) and you will see the bronze statue of Henry Vll which was unveiled in 2017. Make your way over the bridge (push your bike along the narrow footway), turn left and you can secure your bike to the waterside railings adjacent to the Cornstore. You can then explore the town, have some refreshments or visit the castle up on the hill opposite. Afterwards follow the path all the way around the Castle Pond, across the road and along the path back to where you started the Trail

13.4: Finish at West Street Car Park, Pembroke

 

Points of interest along the way

Pembroke Castle

First established in the year 1093, this is one of the most  impressive Norman castles in south Wales. The stone structure dominates the town and is partly surrounded by the picturesque Pembroke Castle Pond. A maze of tunnels, stairs, towers and battlements are waiting to be explored and numerous events are held inside the castle throughout the year. It has a rich medieval history, and was the birthplace of Henry Vll, the first Tudor King. Apart from Christmas and New Year, the castle is open daily from 10am to 4pm (longer hours in summer). Fees apply

Pembroke Castle Pond

This has only been a pond since the Pembroke River barrage was built in the late 1970s and now provides a perfect setting for the castle. A variety of birdlife can be seen around the pond, even downstream of the barrage where wading birds can often be observed feeding in the mud sediments

Carew Castle

A magnificent ruin of a castle with a history spanning 2,000 years. Set in a stunning location overlooking a 23 acre millpond, the castle developed from a  Norman fortification to an Elizabethan country house. There’s plenty to see and do with a varied activity programme. Open daily 10am to 5pm. Fees apply which also include entry into the nearby Tidal Mill

Carew Cross

A superb 11th century decorated Celtic cross at the entrance to the castle grounds. The cross stands 13’ high and is beautifully carved on four sides with lovely Celtic knotwork and key patterns

Carew Tidal Mill

Built as a corn mill in the early 1800s, now the only restored tidal mill in Wales. It has two wheels which drive six pairs of millstones. Although restored to working order, it does not operate at present but the machinery, exhibition, audio commentary and interactive displays show how water has been used as a source of sustainable energy throughout the ages. You can walk across the adjacent causeway and indeed around the whole millpond if you have time

Carew Cheriton

An interesting and pretty little hamlet. The exceptionally well preserved and medieval church dedicated to St Mary houses the tomb of Sir Nicholas de Carew (died 1311) who built the nearby castle which was named after his family. In the churchyard is a 14th century charnel house (build to store exhumed human bones) with a chapel above. It was later converted for use as a school from about 1625 until 1872. The holes through which the bones were placed are clearly visible at the sides of the building

Pembroke Millpond and Nature Reserve

This is a great place to visit at any time of the year. Swans are resident all year round and cormorants and heron can usually be seen at the top end nearest to a structure known as Barnards Tower. This 13th century defensive tower is one of 6 that formed part of the medieval town walls of Pembroke

ID: 3694, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%City West Trail%'|Route like '%City West Trail%'

City West Trail

Overview

A really picturesque and interesting trail which starts and finishes at the car park adjacent to Oriel y Parc Visitor Centre, St Davids. Explore the enchanted cathedral city itself and sections of the rugged coastline around the peninsula to the west.

This has been a cultural hotspot for thousands of years and the area’s prehistoric past has certainly left its mark on Britain’s smallest city. The City West Trail blends history with scenery as it winds its way through places of beauty, peace and pilgrimage, rich in wildlife.

If time allows at the end of the Trail, take a short trip down to Caerfai Bay a little over 1/2 mile away. Turn left out of Oriel y Parc car park and follow the road to the elevated location overlooking the lovely south facing bay and the rest of St Bride’s Bay right the way along to Skomer Island. Caerfai Bay itself is sandwiched between towering cliffs of purple sandstone and stones from nearby were used to build St Davids Cathedral 

Fact File

Highlights

Britain’s smallest city with its cathedral and other early Christian heritage sites nearby. Superb coastal scenery on quiet lanes around the westernmost peninsular of Wales. A picturesque little fishing harbour, a superb sandy beach, lifeboat station and the dynamic Ramsey Sound

Grade: Moderate 

Distance

9.1  miles (14.7km)

Time

2 hours plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

Oriel y Parc Car Park, St Davids (Grid Ref SM757252, Sat Nav SA62 6NW). Charges apply, generally from March to November. On the A487 approach from Haverfordwest, turn left at the roundabout and first left into the car park. On the A487 approach from Fishguard, turn left immediately after the 30 mph signs, go straight ahead at the roundabout and first left into the car park

Nearest Station

No rail station within 5 miles   

Terrain

Mostly on quiet country lanes. Gradients are generally shallow but a little steeper just after leaving Porth Clais Harbour and Whitesands, and also within the Cathedral Close. None of the hills should provide a problem for anyone used to cycling. One section follows a bridleway about half way along the Trail and this is stony and a bit bumpy.

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 205 metres

Refreshments

St Davids, Porth Clais, St Justinians and Whitesands

Toilets

St Davids, Porth Clais and Whitesands

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

 

0.0 Start: Exit the car park and turn left. (Before turning left you may wish to explore Oriel y Parc Visitor Centre and Gallery directly opposite or save this visit until the end of the trail. There are refreshments and toilets on site as well as cycle stands). After turning left out of the car park, take the 2nd right (after a row of bungalows). Then join the narrow bridleway path on the left after about 50 yards. Follow this path for nearly 1/2 mile until it joins a minor road opposite the Warpool Court Hotel. Then turn left

0.9: Arrive at St Non’s. After a stop to visit the birthplace of St David and the Holy Well, turn around and follow the road back towards the city

1.5: At ‘T’ junction turn left following a sign for Porth Clais. Keep on this road ignoring all side roads. Once out of the city you will follow the rim of Merry Vale which contains   the River Alun flowing from the cathedral down to Porth Clais. To your right you will notice the outlines of a number of rugged and long extinct volcanoes in the distance. Follow the hill down to Porth Clais

2.4: Porth Clais Harbour on your left. After a brief stop, continue on the road. This is a steep uphill section of the trail as you climb out of the valley

3.0: Carry straight on at the cross roads following the sign for St Justinians. After about 200 yards the road sweeps around the southern end of the rocky outcrop known as Clegyr Boia. At the junction with a bridleway leading to a farmhouse on the right a narrow unofficial path leads up the side of one end of the outcrop. From the top you are rewarded with an amazing 3600 panorama of the whole peninsula

3.5: Turn left at ‘T’ junction following sign for St Justinians. Ramsey Island will come into view ahead before you finally get to the end of the road at St Justinians. Cycle stands are available for a worthwhile pause to explore the area properly. Afterwards, turn around and head back on the same road for about 1/2 mile and turn left along a road signed ‘No Through Road’. The road turns into a bridleway leading to Treleddyn after about 100 yards. Carry on along the surfaced bridleway ignoring a private sign saying ‘Footpath Only’

5.1: Where the surfaced lane turns left at Treleddyn, continue straight ahead on a stoned track and follow this to the right just beyond the large twin-gabled house. Out of interest it was from this farmstead that the 1797 French Invasion fleet was spotted by the farmer, retired seaman Thomas Williams, who raised the alarm, alerting the troops in defence of Fishguard. This next section of the Trail is quite stony and you may prefer to dismount and push your bike. As you progress you will see a property with an unusual roof on your right. Look back to your left and you will notice a rock outcrop with a recess facing you. This is reputed to be the spot where St Patrick sheltered while awaiting the boat which would take him to Ireland. The track ahead soon improves and eventually links through to a tarmacked road

6.0: Turn left to go downhill following a sign for Whitesands

6.4: Arrive at Whitesands. Cycle stands are available on the left as you enter the car park and toilets and a shop/cafe are available just beyond the stands. After your visit to Whitesands, cycle back up the hill on the same road that you arrived on

6.8: At the top of the hill turn left following a sign for Youth Hostel. Ignore the next sign for the Youth Hostel and just carry on along this same road until you get to a ‘T’ junction. Turn right at this junction (joining National Cycle Network Route 4)

7.7: Carry straight on at the crossroads. Take care crossing this road

8.3: Turn right just before the river bridge and carry on past the old buildings of St Davids Cathedral Close. After the road turns left, the entrance to the Bishop’s Palace ruins is on your right and the Cathedral is straight ahead. Cycle stands are available outside the Bishop’s Palace and there are toilets at the side of the footbridge. After stopping for a visit, cross the river on the footbridge and carry on up the hill past the main gates to the Cathedral on your left - don’t turn left or right at this point. You may want to dismount and push your bike up this quite steep hill. The road will soon take you under the Tower Gate Arch. Turn right immediately after the arch and follow the narrow lane for about 100 yards.

8.7: Turn left by the Farmers Arms and take the first right into Mitre Lane. At the top of the lane turn left into Bryn Road. After 200 yards there’s a path leading off the road on the left opposite Pen-y-Garn junction. You will need to push your bike along this path which takes you past public toilets and on to the front of the City Hall where you’ll find cycle stands. This is an ideal place to secure your bike so you can explore the city centre on foot. Afterwards follow the path back to Bryn Road and turn left

9.0: At the end of Bryn Road turn right at the ‘T’ junction and turn left at the next ‘T’ junction

9.1: Finish at Oriel y Parc Car Park on the right

 

 Points of interest along the way

Oriel y Parc

A bold, semicircular and environmentally friendly building which is truly the ‘gateway’ to St Davids and this area of the National Park. It functions as a tourist office and a visitor centre and houses changing exhibitions from the National Museum Wales’ art collection. The building also has an interactive interpretation area, a discovery room, an Artist in Residence Tower, gift shop and cafe

St Non’s

Named after the mother of St David who lived in a house on the site of the ruined Chapel. This is where St David was born around the year 500AD. Near the ruins is St Non’s Well which is said to have sprung up during a thunderstorm at the time of St David’s birth. It is regarded as one of the most sacred wells in Wales and   its water is considered to have healing and other miraculous powers. Near the retreat house is a more modern and lovely Chapel built out of stones originally taken from old church buildings in the area.

Porth Clais

A lovely snake like harbour built in the 12th Century to serve the city of St Davids. It was once a bustling port with ships importing and exporting goods to and from coastal communities. Timber, grain, limestone and coal were among the items traded with the latter two feeding the lime kilns on both sides of the harbour. The original harbour wall was believed to have been constructed by the Romans, and  during the Middle Ages, streams of disciples and pilgrims landed here from England, France and Ireland. Porth Clais is supposedly the place where St David was baptised

Clegyr Boia

An outcrop of very old volcanic rock and a notable landmark on the peninsula. There is evidence that it was the site of enclosed Neolithic and Iron Age settlements and later became the stronghold of the 6th Century Irish chieftain called Boia. A tiny well named Ffynnon Lygaid on its southern side is reputed to be the source of water used to cure eye ailments. Although 50 metres above sea level, it has historically been recorded as an ‘Ebb and Flow’ well used to determine the state of the sea tides over a mile away

St Justinians

A stunning location looking out over the treacherous Ramsey Sound to Ramsey Island beyond. There are two lifeboat stations, the old one which is used as the embarkation point for adventure boat trips and visits to the island, and the new one alongside which became operational in 2017. A ruined medieval chapel marks the burial place of St Justinian, a contemporary of St David

Whitesands

Overlooked by the imposing craggy outcrop of Carn Llidi, this wide expanse of fine sand curves north towards the remote rocky headland of St Davids Head. A very popular Blue Flag beach and one of the best places for surfing in the country. The slopes of Carn Llidi and St Davids Head are littered with the remains of Neolithic monuments. It is said that St Patrick had his vision to convert Ireland to Christianity here at Whitesands, and he set sail to Ireland from the bay in the 5th Century. The bay was also the terminus of two Roman roads used for gold trading between Ireland and Southern Britain and beyond

Cathedral

Built on the site of a monastery founded by St David. Work on its construction started in 1181, about 600 years after St David’s death. It endured a turbulent early history with the tower collapsing, earthquake damage and even an attack by Parliamentary soldiers. It has been rebuilt, enlarged and embellished over the centuries. It is quite a remarkable place, built, for defence purposes, in a hollow so it would not be visible from the sea. It has beautiful oak and painted ceilings, extraordinary sloping floors and wonderful restored cloisters that all contribute to its special character. The Pope decreed in the 12th Century that two pilgrimages to St David’s Shrine at the Cathedral equalled one to Rome

Bishop’s Palace

Located adjacent to the Cathedral. It was built in the14th Century to house the bishops and entertain guests. It’s a ruin, but an impressive one with plenty of areas to discover including staircases to towers and undercrofts. It is looked after by CADW as a visitor attraction and entry fees apply. It is worth checking their website for opening times etc

City Centre

The city itself is named after Wales’ own patron saint and despite its city status it is really very small with a resident population of less than 2000. Take a short walk around the historic centre with its narrow streets filled with art galleries, gift shops and cafes. The 13th Century Tower Gate and the Celtic Old Cross on The Square are also worth a look. The Trail itself will have taken you to the magnificent medieval Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace in the tranquil Vale of Roses adjacent to the city centre.

ID: 3700, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Dramway Trail%'|Route like '%Dramway Trail%'

Dramway Trail

Overview

A pleasant and interesting cycle trail which starts and finishes near the old Ironworks at Stepaside. The relatively short and flat route follows the line of the disused Saundersfoot Railway built in 1835 to link the ironworks and nearby coalmines to the harbour at Saundersfoot.

The railway was used primarily to transport drams of coal to merchant sailing vessels moored alongside the harbour walls. At the end of the Trail take time to walk up and visit the interesting ruins of Grove Colliery. Steps alongside the nearby Ironworks lead up to the incline track and the colliery is located about 300 yards up this incline

 Fact File

Highlights

Relics of an industrial era including ironworks, colliery and mineral railway. Beaches, superb sea views and tunnels 

Grade: Easy                                     

Distance

4.0  miles (6.5 km)

Time

1 hour plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

Stepaside Ironworks Car Park (Grid Ref SN140073, Sat Nav SA67 8LT). Free car park. Turn off dual carriageway section of main A477 road just east of Kilgetty village following signs for Stepaside. Cross bridge at bottom of hill and turn left following sign for Pleasant Valley. Turn left again at bottom of hill. After nearly 1/2 mile turn right following sign for Ironworks. Car park is straight ahead

Alternative start: Harbour Car Park, Saundersfoot (Grid Ref SN136048, Sat Nav SA69 9HE)    

Nearest Station

Kilgetty 1mile (Turn right out of station access road and take first right after Stepaside School. Cross over high level road bridge and turn left at crossroads. At bottom of very steep hill bear right just  before junction with main road. Follow track past, but not over, a narrow stone bridge and carry on until you arrive at the junction leading to the car park immediately adjacent to Stepaside Ironworks

Terrain

Mainly on a surfaced traffic free path with one minor road crossing. One short section on a quiet country road and another section on an urban cul-de-sac in Saundersfoot

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) -  5 metres

Refreshments

Wiseman’s Bridge, Coppet Hall (‘Coast’ building) and Saundersfoot

Toilets

Wiseman’s Bridge,Coppet Hall (‘Coast’ building) and Saundersfoot

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. After taking some time to admire the old Ironworks buildings, cycle towards the car park exit and join the cycle path on the right just before the ‘T’ junction. Cycle alongside the stream through the aptly named Pleasant Valley. Depending on the time of the year you cycle this route, there will generally be an abundance of plants and wildlife to observe. This section of path is a bridleway so be aware that you may encounter horse riders as well as cyclists and many pedestrians


0.8 
Pass Tramway Cottage on the right and join a minor rural road ahead. Carry straight on and take a glimpse if you can at the stream to the left. This was converted into a canal in the 1790s but without much success as the gradient was too steep

0.9 Cross the road and join the path to the right which runs alongside the beach at Wiseman’s Bridge. There are toilets to the left just before the road crossing and a pub serving food beyond the toilets at the other end of the beach. Continue on the elevated path until you reach a tunnel. A bit further along there’s a second tunnel, cut into some spectacular sedimentary rock bedding planes, which takes you out alongside Coppet Hall beach and the ‘Coast’ building. Follow the path around the land side of the car park into a 3rd tunnel. Cycling in these tunnels is not allowed for safety reasons so please dismount and push your bike through to the other end. Also this section of the Trail can be very busy with pedestrians so take care

1.7 When you exit the 3rd tunnel you are entering the coastal resort of Saundersfoot. Carry straight on along the road ahead. You are still on the route of the old railway but be careful as this section is also used by other vehicles although these are generally few in number and slow moving. You will soon be in a street lined with shops and an outline of where the railway used to run is clearly marked in the middle of the road. Don’t follow this road around to the right. Instead carry straight on along the edge of the Harbour Car Park for about 50 yards until you reach a large building on the right – the old Saundersfoot Coal Office which was the operations hub of the coal industry in the area

2.0 The Saundersfoot Coal Office is the point where you turn around and follow the same Trail back to Stepaside. But before doing so it is worth securing your bike to the stands adjacent to the building so you can explore the village and its harbour

4.0 Trail finish

 

Points of interest along the way

Stepaside

This small village, set in the heart of some of Pembrokeshire’s finest countryside, was a thriving industrial community in the C19th and home to both coal mining and iron making. It was given its unusual name when Oliver Cromwell and his army passed through on route to Pembroke in 1648 and asked people in his way to step aside

Grove Colliery

An anthracite coal mine and one of many in the Stepaside area. It was developed in 1853 and has one of the deepest mine shafts in Pembrokeshire at 182 metres. Five years after its opening it was linked to the nearby Kilgetty Colliery via a half mile long tunnel. Coal from the Grove was lowered down to the Saundersfoot Railway on a self acting incline. The Grove had its own smithy, carpenters’ shop, stores and stables which housed the pit ponies. The restored ruins of the colliery are now a Scheduled Ancient Monument

Stepaside Ironworks

Opened in 1849 by the Pembrokeshire Coal and Ironworks Company, the ironworks consisted of 2 blast furnaces with blowing machines, workshops, limekilns, coke ovens and a foundry. The ore was primarily obtained from shafts driven into the cliffs between Saundersfoot and Amroth. The entrance to 2 of these can be seen on the immediate approach from Wiseman’s Bridge to the Trail’s long tunnel. The Ironworks buildings are still impressive to this day, particularly the remains of the engine blast house and the casting house which has a striking three bay gabled front of dressed stone with three arches. Like the Grove Colliery, the ruins are now a Scheduled Ancient Monument

Wiseman’s Bridge

Nestled between Amroth and Saundersfoot, this little village behind a pebble ridge and a broad sandy beach is very popular for family outings. At times when the sea is rough and the tide is low, the sand is sometimes scoured away to reveal the petrified remains of a drowned forest. Best quality anthracite was once loaded onto sailing ketches on the beach to feed the demand of cities like Bristol, Swansea and Cardiff. The Wiseman’s Bridge Inn was visited by Winston Churchill and Allied commanders in 1943 when the beach was used as a training ground for the D-Day landings

Coppet Hall

Another popular beach with golden sands and links via tunnels to both Wiseman’s Bridge and Saundersfoot. Originally called Coalpit Hall in the C19th when coal was shipped out from pits a few hundred yards up the valley

Saundersfoot

A fishing village located in the heart of the National Park and is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the UK. Long ago it was just a few medieval cottages in a forest clearing used as a hunting ground by the Norman Earls of Pembroke. Then in the C19th it grew into a thriving coal port and exported 30,000 tons annually from its harbour. When the coal industry vanished, Saundersfoot evolved into a seaside resort

ID: 3701, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Last Invasion Trail%'|Route like '%Last Invasion Trail%'

Last Invasion Trail

Overview

The Trail enables cyclists to experience the spectacular scenery in this area of Pembrokeshire and to visit a number of interesting sites including those associated with the French Invasion in 1797. On the afternoon of 22nd February of that year, four French vessels landed 1400 soldiers and weapons onto the rocky shores of Carreg Wastad, a few miles north-west of Fishguard. The invading force was under the command of an American named William Tate. The surrender two days later was generally due to poor discipline and morale of the troops, many of whom had become drunk on stolen alcohol. Many local people resisted the invaders. Most notable was Jemima Nicholas who, armed only with a pitchfork, reputedly rounded up twelve Frenchmen.

If time allows at the end of the tour it is worth visiting the large Neolithic burial site just beyond the car park at Harbour Village which has several exposed tombs. Also the viewpoint at the end of Harbour Village has breathtaking views of the harbour, the coastline (including Fishguard Fort), and the Preseli Mountain range beyond. Numerous tearooms, restaurants, shops and pubs are available for welcome refreshments down at Goodwick itself.

Fact file

 

Highlights

Last invasion and other historical sites, superb inland and coastal scenery, remote beaches and a working woollen mill

Grade: Active 

Distance

18miles (29 km)

Time

4 hours allowing for hills plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

Harbour Village Car Park, Goodwick.(Grid Ref SM947388, Sat Nav SA64 0DU) Proceed up the hill past the railway station, turn left at the Rose & Crown Inn then right up New Hill. At the top of the hill turn left and the car park is on the right.

Nearest Station

Fishguard & Goodwick  1/2 mile (at bottom of Goodwick hill)

Terrain

Mainly quiet lanes. One short section liable to get muddy in wet weather.  A couple of sharp climbs but mostly a gently sloping trail.

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections)  -  467 metres

Refreshments

Tregwynt Woollen Mill and Goodwick

Toilets

Tregwynt Woollen Mill and Goodwick Beach

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. The Trail starts opposite Harbour Village car park entrance.

0.7 Merge with estate road alongside playing field

0.8 Turn right at ‘T’ junction

1.4 Turn left towards St Nicholas

4.4 Straight on at crossroads. (Turn right for optional very short detour to St Nicholas)

4.9 Turn right and on past Tregwynt Woollen Mill

5.3 Turn left at ‘T’ junction then right towards Abermawr (Tregwynt Mansion is further up the hill on the right)

5.8 Abermawr. Turn around (optional walk down to beach)

6.5 Turn left at ‘main’ road and continue uphill past the junction to the mill

8.3 Turn left following sign for Pwllderi and Youth Hostel

9.1 Pwllderi. Turn around (optional walks on nearby sections of coast path)

9.7 Turn left at stone cottage, left again at next cottage, and left again following sign to Strumble Head. The next section is the steepest of the uphill legs of the Trail but is soon followed by a welcome downhill section. Just before the highest point is an access on the left to the path up to Garn Fawr Iron Age hill fort (a short walk up from the car park adjacent to the road)

11.4 Turn left for Strumble Head

12.6 Strumble Head. Turn around (optional short walk to bird observatory)

14.9 Turn left along unsurfaced track signed ‘Unsuitable for Motors’. Note - this can be muddy in wet weather

15.7 Turn right at Llanwnda and follow signs back to Goodwick

16.8 Turn left before the 20 mph zone signs to follow path back to the start of the Trail (or carry straight on for a more direct route down to Goodwick and the sea front)

 

Points of interest along the way

Goodwick Beach

Location of French surrender

Parc y Ffrancwr (Frenchman’s Field)

Site of fatal skirmish with French troops

St Nicholas

Picturesque village with church site dating back to Roman times

Tregwynt Woollen Mill

Shop, cafe and viewing of weaving process. The working mill is open 9.00am to 4.40pm on weekdays, the shop/cafe is also open weekends

Tregwynt Mansion

A dinner dance was being attended by Colonel Knox, commanding officer of Fishguard Fencibles, when news of the invasion arrived. Knox left immediately for Fishguard Fort and the other guests fled to safety

Fishguard Fort

French fleet forced westwards by canon fire from fort

Abermawr

At very low tides the remains of a submerged forest can be seen, drowned by a sudden flood as the ice sheet melted 8000 years ago. Abermawr and Aberbach (immediately north) have long been associated with smuggling. Abermawr was the terminus for the submarine telegraph cable from Britain to America and was also considered for the terminus of Brunel’s railway link between Britain and Ireland.

Pwllderi

Idyllic cliff top setting offering superb coastline views down to St Davids

Garn Fawr

Iron Age Hill Fort. Outstanding 360o views with Strumble Head to the north and the coastline to its right where the French forces landed in 1797. Snowdonia and the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland are visible on clear days

Caerlem

Mary Williams, fleeing from her house, was shot in the leg by the French and ‘otherwise ill-treated’. She was awarded an annual pension of £40 and collected it for the next 56 years

Strumble Head

Famous for its lighthouse, wildlife (best seen from the bird observatory) and for its magnificent views

Trehowel

Home of John Mortimer who was about to get married at the time of the invasion. The wedding provisions were quickly devoured by French soldiers and Trehowel became the temporary headquarters for the invading force.

Carreg Wastad

Location where the invaders came ashore. A memorial, erected in 1897, overlooks the cove. Footpath access available from Trehowel and Llanwnda

Llanwnda

Site of Neolithic burial chamber and holy well. The hamlet also has a beautiful Celtic style double bellcote church with early Christian inscribed stones and medieval roof beams with carvings. The French soldiers looted the church and actually tried to burn it down.

 

ID: 3705, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Meeting of the Waters%'|Route like '%Meeting of the Waters%'

Meeting of the Waters Trail

Overview

The Trail skirts the borderlands of north-east Pembrokeshire. It starts near the former railway station at Cardigan and very soon winds its way into Pembrokeshire along a section of disused railway line affectionately known as the Cardi Bach. Wildlife, rivers and waterfalls abound along with ancient castles, churches and even tales of the Underworld.

It is worth visiting Cardigan Castle if time allows at the end of the Trail – just continue on the cycleway alongside the river to a set of cycle stands near the end of the old bridge. The castle is on the other side of the bridge with the entrance just up the hill.

Fact file

 

Highlights

Rivers, wildlife, castles, historical churches and the underworld. Incorporates the shorter Cardi Bach Trail

Grade: Moderate 

Distance

171/2  miles (28 km)

Time

4 hours plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

The Old Station, Cardigan (Grid Ref SN181458, Sat Nav SA43 3AD) Approach Cardigan town from the south (B4546) and at the bottom of the hill turn right into Station Road (signed Pentood Ind. Est. on the downhill approach). Where Station Road bears right, turn left and immediately right past the old disused railway station building and platform on the left. The Trail starts at the end of this lane

Nearest Station

None within 5 miles

Terrain

Mainly quiet lanes. One steep uphill section at half way point - comfortable gradients elsewhere

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections)  -  435 metres

Refreshments

Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran, Abercych and Cardigan

Toilets

Cardigan Castle, Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran Castle, Coracle Centre

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Just beyond the Old Station, Cardigan, cycle under the bridge and on through the Teifi Marshes Wildlife Reserve on a traffic free path. Take care as there are usually many pedestrians of all ages and ability on this path

0.7 Straight on at access to Wales Wildlife Centre on left

2.1 Turn left at bottom of short hill (just prior to a ‘T’ junction) following cycle route sign. Follow this back road into Cilgerran. You will pass the Church on the right and Cilgerran Castle entrance on the left, both worth a visit whilst on the Trail.

2.6 Turn left at ‘T’ junction into the main street through the village. There are cycle stands at the next side road junction for an optional walk down to the Coracle Centre and river gorge

3.6 Turn left at the red kiosk (home to a phone box museum dedicated to local photographer and resident Tom Mathias) and left at the next junction

4.6 Turn right just before Llechryd Bridge. The next section of the Trail runs alongside a disused canal and Manordeifi Church can soon be seen on the left. After visiting the church continue up the short hill and around the hairpin bend

7.1 Bear left at junction following sign for Abercych. From this junction you can look down to the point where the main River Teifi is joined by the River Cych. This is the ‘Tripoint’ (or boundary) of the 3 counties of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion – “The Meeting of the Waters”. 50 yards before the junction is a path leading down to a footbridge for another view of the Tripoint. After bearing left you will cycle through the small village of Abercych

8.0 Turn left at the main road and then right (with care) at the bottom of a short steep descent towards Cwmcych (Cych Valley)

9.1 After a small bridge turn right uphill out of the valley or explore more of this enchanted Cych Valley if time allows (up to 10 miles round trip) before heading back to turn at this junction. Having turned, a gentle climb with undulations eventually takes you through a double bend and to a steeper section of the route. There is a car park on the left. Pull in and secure your bike to a tree (no stands available). Walk by the metal gate on a path above a weir and a small dam. Take the track on the right side of the house following the edge of the small lake until you reach Ffynone  Waterfall. Total walk time there and back is about 30 minutes but add time for a relaxing break. After rejoining the Trail the road steepens so you will probably want to push your bike for a while through the woodland to the top of the hill

11.1 Straight on at crossroads. After the uphill is a downhill. Be careful on the descents

12.6 Descend to a ‘T’ junction and turn right following sign for Llechryd

13.0 Turn left (through Pontrhydyceirt) at crossroads following sign for Cilgerran

15.1 Turn right after cycling right through Cilgerran following a sign for Wildlife Centre. Turn right for a visit to the nearby Welsh Wildlife Centre. There are cycle stands on site. Then return, turn right at the Centre access and carry on through the Wildlife Reserve that you passed through at the start of this ride until you arrive at the end of the Trail

 

 

Points of interest along the way

Cardigan Castle

Dates back to C12th and location of the first Eisteddfod in Wales in 1176. Open 10am – 4pm (11am – 3pm winter). Fees apply

Teifi Marshes Wildlife Reserve

One of the best wetland reserves in Wales

Wales Wildlife Centre

Award winning Visitor Centre nestled in lush countryside along the banks of River Teifi. Includes the magnificent Glasshouse Cafe and shop. Open 10am – 5pm (10am – 4pm winter)

Cilgerran Church

Early medieval on site of C6th Celtic church. Famous for its megalithic standing stone in the churchyard on which the ancient Ogham script can still be seen. Unfortunately the church itself is sometimes locked

Cilgerran Castle

A delightful C13th ruined castle. Said to be one of the most picturesque in Wales, it was painted and sketched several times by the artist Turner. It stands in a commanding position, perched on a craggy promontory, high above the River Teifi. Open 10am – 5pm (10am – 4pm winter). Fees apply except in winter

Coracle Centre

Famous for the annual coracle race in August and access to lovely walks along the river through the Teifi Gorge

Llechryd Bridge

A C17th multi-arch stone bridge which gets wholly submerged by the river during times of high flood. Across the bridge is a round stone building containing lots of interesting information about Llechryd and its history

Manordeifi Church

C13th church with unusual box pews, two of which have their own firplaces. The church would often be cut off by the overflowing river and a coracle is kept in the west porch to assist stranded worshippers

Cych Valley

The valley has a rich history in Welsh mythology and plays an important part in the Mabinogi as the entrance to the Welsh underworld of Annwn. A short distance up the valley is the Gothic Lancych mansion, reputed to be haunted by three ghosts and without doubt one of the most attractive houses in Pembrokeshire

Ffynone waterfall

A beautiful secluded waterfall nestled deep in Ffynone woods. Great for a paddle in the icy water

ID: 3708, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Preseli Stones%'|Route like '%Preseli Stones%'

Preseli Stones Trail

Overview

The Trail runs along the southern foothills of the Preseli Mountains and offers fine views in all directions.It starts near the former railway station at Rosebush and winds its way through Maenclochog and on to Mynachlogddu and Rhos Fach Common.

On the Common you will see the rugged outcrops of Carn Menyn, source of the famous ‘bluestones’ which form the inner circle at Stonehenge.

A small selection of the myriad of stones erected by our ancestors three to five thousand years ago can be seen from this Trail. They were once believed to harbour supernatural powers but their exact purpose remains a mystery to this day.

Take time at the end of the Trail to explore the little village of Rosebush with its old zinc pub, railway relics and nearby slate quarries. Numerous mountain bike trails are available with direct access from the village

Fact File

 

Highlights

A scenic route along the foothills of the Preseli Mountains. Prehistoric remains abound including standing stones, a stone circle and sites of ancient battles

Grade: Moderate 

Distance

12 miles (19 km)

Time

21/2  hours plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

The Car Park, Rosebush (Grid Ref SN075295, Sat Nav SA66 7QU) Turn off B4313 road into Rosebush village following brown sign for Tafarn Sinc. Continue on road around Tafarn Sinc keeping the pub to   your left. Take the 1st left before the red telephone kiosk. Car Park is at the bottom of a short hill

Nearest Station

None within 5 miles

Terrain

Mainly quiet lanes and comfortable gradients

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections)  -  264 metres

Refreshments

Rosebush and Maenclochog

Toilets

Maenclochog Castle Car Park

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Cycle up the short hill to the ‘T’ junction, turn right and after about 40 yards go straight ahead at the Give Way junction

0.4 Bear left at Give Way. Take care as this next section runs along a ‘B’ Class road although traffic flows are not that high

1.2 Immediately after the Maenclochog 30mph signs, pull into a side road junction on the left. Cornel Bach Standing Stones are in the first field on the right down this side road. Continue on the main road into Maenclochog village

1.6 After a pause to explore the village, turn left next to Caffi’r Sgwar following signs for Llangolman. Once out of the village, and following a short climb and a slight right bend in the road, Galchen Fach Stone can be seen to the left in a gap between 2 fields

4.5 Turn left (3rd junction on left after leaving Maenclochog) following sign for Mynachlogddu and Crymych. It’s also signed as being ‘Unsuitable for Wide Vehicles’. After about half a mile there’s an uphill section alongside St Dogmaels Church. You may wish to dismount and push your bike up this hill and pay a visit to this pleasant double-aisled church on the way

5.7 Gors Fawr Stone Circle is accessible via a short walk from a style on the left hand side of the road adjacent to a stone mounted plaque

6.5 Just before entering the village of Mynachlogddu, turn left following a sign for Rosebush

6.8 Rhos Fach car park. Look out for Waldo’s Stone to the left of the road and the Bluestones Monument to the right of the road

8.3 Glynsaithmaen

11.3 Turn right at ‘T’ junction (cycle on the multi-user path if desired) and right again after 300 yards following the road into Rosebush

11.9 Finish at the Car Park, Rosebush

 

 

Points of interest along the way

Rosebush

A small village that owes its existence to the now disused slate quarries. Each quarry had its own dressing floor and tramways. A local land owner once attempted to turn the village into a Victorian spa resort and the arrival of the railway in 1876 led to a spate of developments. The land was dug out to provide lakes and ornamental gardens and the corrugated Preseli Hotel was built which has now been renamed Tafarn Sinc. Unfortunately the development proved to be a flop as the   water had no special properties, the railway failed because Brunel built a better railway to the south, and the quarries closed. Barbara Cartland’s grandfather invested the family fortune in the railway but lost it all and it was this that prompted her to start writing to help support the rest of the family. Most of the old quarries are just beyond the terrace of quarrymen’s cottages and are worth a visit to discover secluded pools and miles of tracks for walking and mountain biking.  

Cornel Bach Standing Stones

Two standing stones that possibly once formed a cromlech or burial chamber that local people apparently blew up with gunpowder in the 18th century. Historical documentation refers to a large stone, several tons in weight, so nicely poised on three upright stones that it vibrated on the slightest touch and sounded like a bell when struck. Resonance is a particular acoustic phenomenon of some Preseli rocks. They have the rare property of being ‘musical’ and can ring like a bell or gong when struck with a small hammer-stone. This gave the village its name – Maenclochog or ‘ringing stone’ in English    

Maenclochog

A village with evidence of prehistoric occupation. Researchers have found the remains of a 13th century castle in the car park at the lower end of the main street. The village was once served by The Maenclochog Railway and a tunnel just south of the community achieved fame during the war when it was used as a testing site for Barnes Wallis’ bouncing bomb. The church on the village green contains 5th and 6th century inscribed stones dedicated to two brothers – Andagellus and Coimangus

Galchen Fach Stone

An 8’ 6” high stone with a slightly rounded top and a 2’ square base. It stands on a cairn and is sometimes referred to as Parc-y-Tywdd Maenhir

Gors Fawr Stone Circle

A prehistoric  ring of 16 stones (including 8 bluestones) which are thought to have been linked at one time via an avenue of stones to two outliers 150 yards away on the north east side of the circle. The 2 larger outliers are aligned with the solstice and one of them has strong magnetic qualities and is known locally as the ‘Dreaming Stone’

Mynachlogddu

This small village (translated ‘Black Monastery’ in English) is situated on a plateau in the heart of the Preseli Mountains. Between 1839 and 1843 the villagers here sparked a rebellion opposed to the Turnpike Laws that spread across most of South and Mid Wales. The Rebecca Riots were led by a local giant of a man Thomas Rees (Twm Carnabwth) and his grave-stone stands in the village’s Bethel Chapel. Mynachlogddu is also thought to be the site of the Battle of Mynydd Carn in 1081 between forces struggling for control of 2 Welsh kingdoms

Rhos Fach

On one side of the road is The Waldo Memorial stone commemorating Waldo Williams, one of the leading Welsh language poets of the twentieth century. He was a notable pacifist, anti-war campaigner and Welsh nationalist. On the other side of the road is the Bluestones Monument, beyond which in the distance you can see the jagged outcrops of Carn Menyn, sometimes referred to as The Dragon’s Back. This hilltop was the source of the famous ‘bluestones’ which form the inner circle at Stonehenge. Head to the hedge and fence at the edge of the common (keeping the view of Carn Menyn to your right) and you will see the Rhos Fach standing stone pair in the adjoining field

Glynsaethmaen

The name of a farm which in English is ‘valley of the seven stones’. Finding these stones can be a bit of a treasure hunt. The most famous are Cerrig Meibion Arthur – The Stones of Arthur’s sons. Legend has it that they were erected by King Arthur at the graves of his two sons killed at this very spot during a battle with a beast like creature which had evaded capture by his warriors. The stones are just off the lane leading north to Cwm Garw but can be seen in the distance to the right of the road at a point where it drops down to a bridge near the cattle grid sign. Gate Standing Stone is slightly easier to locate – on the right 3 fields after the sharp bend just beyond Glynsaethmaen. The top of the stone is visible from the field gate but the structure can more clearly be seen if you clamber up the hedgebank a little further up the hill. It has a chisel-shaped top and some say it resembles the shape of  an owl. At the entrance to Glynsaethman is a monolith memorial to W.R.Evans, a bard, teacher and local historian born and brought up on this farm. The first of the Rebecca Riots meetings was held in a barn at this farm and their leader, Thomas Rees, lived and worked in the nearby farmstead

ID: 3710, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Westfield Trail%'|Route like '%Westfield Trail%'

Westfield Trail

Overview

The Trail follows the track bed of the former Great Western Railway built between 1852-6 under the direction of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the most famous of all Victorian Engineers.

It runs through Westfield Pill Nature Reserve, Neyland Marina and on to the car park just beyond Brunel Quay. Most of the track bed was purchased from British Rail by the former District Council in 1982 and sections were originally cleared for use by walkers and cyclists in the early 1990s.

It was named the Westfield Trail at that time and was improved and extended all the way up to Haverfordwest about 10 years later when the longer Brunel Trail was developed.

Fact file

 

Highlights

Mostly off-road link between Johnston and Brunel Quay, Neyland – once the terminus of Brunel’s Great Western Railway. The Trail runs along a disused railway line. Sites include woodlands, the Westfield Pill Nature Reserve, a Yacht Haven, Brunel Quay and the picturesque Cleddau estuary

Grade: Easy                                     

Distance

81/2  miles (14 km)

Time

2 hours plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

Greenhall Park Car Park, Johnston (Grid Ref SM934103, Sat Nav SA62 3PT). Free car park. From the A4076 road turn at junction adjacent to pedestrian crossing (signed Rosemarket & Llangwm). After just over100 yards, cross railway bridge and take first right and first right again. Trail starts at far end of car park

Nearest Station

Johnston  1/2  mile (turn left uphill out of station to join a cycle path,  left over railway bridge and left again. Follow sign for Neyland that leads you alongside the railway line under a bridge. This takes you past the Start of the Trail after about 400 yards)

Terrain

Mainly on a tarmacked traffic free path with a few minor road crossings. Reasonably flat or shallow sloping all the way

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections)  -  146 metres

Refreshments

Cafe at Brunel Quay (with cycle stands) and Johnston

Toilets

Brunel Quay

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Turn left out of Greenhall Park Car Park, Johnston. Follow this disused railway route all the way down to Westfield Pill Nature Reserve and Neyland Marina. On route take care at 3 minor road crossings. These would originally have been level crossings and some of the crossing-keepers cottages still survive

3.3 Carry straight ahead on the low level path following the Trail under the high bridge. The view southwards is now dominated by the masts of Neyland Marina

3.5 Start of the section of Trail alongside Neyland marina. Take care as this is no longer traffic free although vehicle usage is light and the road is traffic calmed. The Trail continues past a waterfront cafe and on past a number of boat yards to the Brunel Quay car park

4.3 Brunel Quay car park. Turn around and follow the same route back to Johnston

8.6 Greenhall Park Car Park, Johnston – end of Trail

 

 

Points of interest along the way

Westfield Pill Nature Reserve

A sheltered inlet with lagoons and islands which provide a sanctuary for hundreds of different species of birds and animals including herons, otters and over 20 varieties of butterfly. The site is managed by the Wildlife Trust

Neyland Marina

One of the largest and prettiest yacht havens in Wales

Brunel Quay

Until the mid C19th, Neyland was a quiet fishing village. In 1856, the renowned engineer Brunel established an Irish Packet Service at what was then named ‘New Milford’, and developed a wide range of infrastructure projects including a quay and rail link to support the ferry service. Numerous information boards on the quayside detail the history of this exciting project. The ferry service ended in 1906 and the railway closed in 1964. This part of Neyland languished until its transformation under an ambitious regeneration plan drawn up in the mid 1980s. Brunel Quay has really impressive views of the Cleddau Bridge and Estuary and the area around the Quay has pieces of historic naval equipment on show together with some of Brunel’s railway lines which have been used for a section of riverside fencing. A ferry service operated to and from Pembroke Dock until it was made obsolete in 1975 when the Cleddau Bridge was opened

ID: 3711, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Wizo Trail%'|Route like '%Wizo Trail%'

Wizo Trail

Overview

The Trail meanders through part of the central area of Pembrokeshire once controlled by Wizo, the Flemish chieftain and fierce warrior who was the feudal baron of many of the large estates in the area, including those where Picton Castle now stands. He built the castle at Wiston, which he made his home, and founded the nearby church.

The Trail takes you to 3 castles as well as a number of other interesting buildings of antiquity. You are also able to visit extensive gardens, some pretty waterside locations and even a local craft ale brewery

 

Fact file

 

Highlights

A longish trail dedicated to Wizo the Fleming. The ride may take you most of the day if you stop to explore some of the many points of interest along the way. Magnificent sites you will see include castles, churches, gardens, pretty villages and the foreshore of the Eastern Cleddau River. A packed lunch and a drink is recommended

Grade: Active 

Distance

26  miles (42km)

Time

5  hours plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

County Hall, Haverfordwest (Grid Ref SM956155, Sat Nav SA61 1TP). County Hall can be seen from Salutation Square Roundabout, Haverfordwest and the entrance is signed. The car park is available (free) for users of the Trail at weekends. Other nearby car parks are available on weekdays (charges apply) and all have cycle paths (on the  road side) that connect to the start of the Trail

Nearest Station

Haverfordwest  1/4 mile (a cycle path leads to the start of the Trail)

Terrain

The first 21/2 miles is mostly on a traffic free path. Apart from a short  section of bridleway at Llawhaden, the remainder of the Trail (apart from the very end) is on quiet rural lanes. Some main road crossings  are necessary which will require care, particularly if you have younger or less confident riders in your group. One of the crossings is on a section of the A40 where the national 60 mph speed limit applies. Advice on the safest way of crossing at this point is given in the Trail Directions. Gradients are generally shallow with some local undulations. There are uphill sections on the approach to Wiston and  another on the approach to Plain Dealings. Neither of these should provide a problem to anyone used to cycling. The bridleway at Llawhaden has an uneven surface and is very steep so a dismount and push is recommended for all but the super fit riding mountain bikes

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 520 metres

Refreshments

Haverfordwest and Picton Castle

Toilets

Haverfordwest Bus Station (end of multi-storey car park) and Picton Castle (when open)

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Turn left out of County Hall following the cycle path. Cross on the traffic lights to the path fronting the County Hotel. Cross the next junction and continue over a number of other crossings following the red surfaced path. Once through two short subways (ignore the right turn in the first) turn right and climb the ramp adjacent to the road. Follow the path to the top of the hill and cross the access into the retail park. Cross the road at the traffic lights just before the hospital entrance then continue on the path. Bear right just beyond the entrance into the Springfield Retail Park (opposite) and continue straight on where the path joins a minor road. Shortly after you rejoin a cycle path leading immediately to a road crossing. Cross this road with great care and continue on the cycle path (bearing right at the roundabout) until you get to another road crossing opposite a car sales centre. After crossing, turn right and follow the path for about 1/mile

1.9 Turn right into a lane signed No Through Road ‘Except for Cycles’ and continue on this lane through 2 sets of bollards which prevent access for motorised vehicles

2.5 At the ‘T’ junction with the B4329 road turn left. Take first right (after about 1/mile) into Cross Lane, then right again at the next ‘T’ junction, then first left into Dingle Lane after about 150 yards

3.4 Cross the railway level crossing and continue on the lane for about 3 miles until you get to the village of Wiston. This lane is generally uphill. Gradients are not too severe and there are distant countryside views on both sides of the road

6.6 Pull in to the parking area alongside the red telephone kiosk at Wiston. Cycle stands are available for you to walk to the church alongside the stands and the castle opposite. Both are worth a visit, then afterwards carry on along the lane and turn left at the ‘T’ junction. Cycle up past a pretty little pond on the left and turn right at   the first junction a little further up the hill. Continue on this road on this mainly downhill road for nearly 2 miles enjoying distant views of the Preseli Mountains to the left

8.9 Turn right at ‘T’ junction following sign for Llawhaden, then after a mainly uphill mile you arrive at the tiny unsigned hamlet of Plain Dealings where you need to turn left at the ‘T’ junction. However if time allows, a quick visit may be made to the Caffle Craft Ale Brewery at the old school which is about 200 yards to the right from the junction. Contact the brewery beforehand if you’re interested in paying a visit or taking a guided tour (Caffle Brewery for contact details). Having turned left at the above junction, take the first right (after nearly a mile) by Sycamore Ranch

12.0 After a steep downhill section you arrive at a farm fishery and resort on your left. This is well worth a visit with its very attractive landscaped lakes

12.3 Llawhaden Church is on the left. Just beyond the church it is worth briefly crossing the old hump-backed bridge which spans the Eastern Cleddau. You will be rewarded with a fine view of the river and the triple arched bridge itself which was built in the mid 18th century. Cross back over and follow the road up the hill for about 150 yards. Then turn off onto a bridleway track on the right signed ‘No motor vehicles’. If you haven’t started pushing your bike already, now is the time to do so. The track is quite steep but short and leads you directly up to Llawhaden village centre. Turn right at the top following a sign for the castle. If the bridleway is very wet it could be slippery and you may prefer to continue up the tarmacked road and turn right for Llawhaden at the next junction. Again, follow the castle sign once you arrive at the village

12.8 Arrive at Llawhaden Castle. After a visit, turn around and head back to the village centre. Bear right at the junction and carry on up the hill through the rest of the village. At the first junction go straight ahead. This will take you past the remains of a medieval hospice on the left which is also worth a brief visit. On a clear day the views to the south are quite superb. Just beyond the hospice site, bear left onto a minor road signed Wiston. Follow this road for just over 2 miles ignoring all side turns

15.0 Turn right at the point where the main road takes a sharp left turn up a hill. Follow the lane for 3 miles, again ignoring all side turns

18.4 At the junction with the main A40 road, the Trail turns left and then right onto a minor road about 50 yards away. The A40 is very busy and cycling on it is not recommended unless you are very experienced. It is suggested that you dismount and push your bike along the nearside verge to a point opposite the other junction. Then cross with extreme care when an opportunity arises. Be sure to look in both directions and bear in mind that A40 traffic can be moving quite quickly. Carry on cycling when you’re on the minor road opposite, following signs for The Rhos

19.9 In the small village of The Rhos, turn right just before the red telephone kiosk following the sign for Picton Castle

20.4 Entrance to Picton Castle and Gardens. After an optional visit, carry on along the lane as before

21.2 Arrive at Picton Ferry on the northern shore of the Eastern Cleddau River near the confluence of the Eastern and Western Cleddau. Until the Inter-War years, this was the location of a ferry to Landshipping and was the old route from Haverfordwest towards Pembroke. After a brief rest, cycle back up the lane and turn left after 200 yards. You will soon pass Rose Castle Tower on the right, one of the most mysterious buildings in Pembrokeshire. Nobody seems to know whether it’s the relic of an old church, a medieval tower house, a light tower or even a Victorian folly.

22.8 Turn left along a lane signed Single Track Road

24.2 Turn left at crossroads following sign for Haverfordwest

25.2 At ‘T’ junction turn right following sign for Haverfordwest. Take care as this road is a bit busier than the ones you’ve been on although it’s within a 30 mph speed limit

25.9 At the bottom of the hill turn left onto a very short section of cycle path immediately beyond a side road junction. Then cross the dual carriageway with care and turn left on the cycle path

26.0 Finish at County Hall, Haverfordwest

 

 

Points of interest along the way

Wiston

The motte-and-bailey castle in the village was built sometime in the first half of the 12th century by the early Flemish settler called Wizo. It was built on the site of an existing Iron Age earthworks. It ranks as one of the best preserved castles of this type in Wales. (Open daily 10am to 4pm, free admission). The nearby Wiston Church is also of Norman origin and contains a number of defensive features associated with this time. The settlement of Wiston obtained its name from Wizo the Fleming

Llawhaden Church

The church is dedicated to a 6th century Irish monk, Aiden, who was a pupil of St David. It unusually has two towers, a 13th century 2 storey tower and a 14th century 3 storey tower standing next to it. The church has an interesting historical past and is positioned in a peaceful, picturesque location on the side of the river. It is the parish church of Llawhaden, one of the oldest villages in Pembrokeshire. The village lies on the Landsker Line and on one of the pilgrim routes to St Davids

Llawhaden Castle

A fortified Bishops Palace rather than a castle, but impressively located on high ground overlooking the Eastern Cleddau valley. It was originally built in the 12th century and is very castle like in appearance. The majestic ruins are a delight to explore. (Open daily 10am to 4pm, free admission)

Llawhaden Hospice

This 13th century ruin is situated adjacent to the Village Hall. It was one of a number of stopping places for pilgrims on route to the shrine at St Davids. Their journeys were difficult and dangerous and often took several months. Hospices offered respite, shelter and medicine whether pilgrims were rich, poor, sick or well. The ruin which still stands is a tall, rectangular structure with a barrel-vaulted roof. A recess inside suggests that it may also have been used as a chapel associated with other hospice buildings on the same site which have long since gone

Picton Castle

The estate at Picton was given by Wizo to one of his Flemish knights and it was at this time that the first castle was built on the site. The existing stone castle was completed in the 13th century and transformed into a stately home in the 18th century. It is now set in 40 acres of magnificent woodland and walled gardens. It also has the largest collection of owls in Wales, a maze and a children’s adventure playground. The castle is open throughout the year (generally from 9am to 5pm) with escorted castle tours at fixed times throughout the day (entrance fees apply). Refreshments and toilets are available on site. It is possible to spend several hours exploring the castle and gardens and Trail users may prefer to save their visit for another day when more time is available to explore the attraction.       

ID: 3712, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Medieval Mystery Trail%'|Route like '%Medieval Mystery Trail%'

Medieval Mystery Trail

Overview

The Trail has many points of interest and passes alongside a number of historical sites including the medieval Lamphey Palace and Manorbier Castle. It offers superb coastal and inland views and easy access on foot to local beaches.

As you cycle along you will be rewarded with a variety of birdlife and their singing fills the air in spring and early summer. If time allows at the end of the tour it is worth visiting the picturesque shell-shaped cove of Manorbier Bay and the Neolithic dolmen known as King’s Quoit perched upon the headland overlooking the bay.

Also worth a visit on foot is the old church accessed via a gravelled walkway from the car park and the Dovecote via a path from the road just below the car park entrance. Cafes, restaurants, shops and pubs are available in villages along the route for welcome refreshmentsts.

Fact file

 

Highlights

Medieval and other prehistoric sites, beaches and superb inland and coastal scenery

Grade

Moderate 

Distance

14 miles (23 kms)

Time

 3.0 hours plus additional time for stops

Terrain

Mainly quiet lanes with 2 short sections on the busier A4139 road. Quite a steep climb at the start and also on The Ridgeway

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 324 metres

Start/Finish

Manorbier Beach Car Park (Grid Ref SS063977, Sat Nav SA70 7SY). Car Park is signed from centre of village. Toilets and cycle stands on site.

Seasonal  charges.  

Nearest Rail Station

Manorbier 11/4 miles

Alternative Start

Lamphey Bishop's Palace (Grid Ref SN018010, Sat Nav SA71 5NT) (1/2 mile from Lamphey Station)

Refreshments

Freshwater West, Lamphey and Manorbier

Toilets

Manorbier Car Park, Lamphey Palace (when Visitor Centre is open)

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

Start. Turn left out of Manorbier Beach car park and up a fairly steep hill. Worth pushing your bike on this section to admire the coastal views

0.8 Turn left at cross roads0.0       

1.8 Bear left at ‘T’ junction into main road and after a further 150 yards turn left into a minor side road signed ‘Unsuitable for Motor Vehicles’. The short section of main road is quite narrow and can   be busy in season so take great care. Dismount and push along this short section if preferred

2.8 Ignore the right turn signed ‘No Motor Vehicles’ and carry straight on

2.9 Optional stop just beyond 30 mph signs for 2 min walk to Freshwater East viewpoint

3.3 Turn right into Chapel Lane signed ‘No Motor Vehicles’ and bear left after 1/2 mile

4.4 Turn left onto main road through Lamphey. The village has a 30 mph and a 20 mph speed limit but less confident cyclists may want to dismount just beyond the filling station and use the opposite footway for a safer passage over the railway bridge to the junction just beyond the church

4.8 Turn right and immediately left following signs for Lamphey Palace. Lamphey Court can be seen in the distance on the left

5.2 Turn around at the entrance to Lamphey Court. Optional visit to the adjacent Lamphey Palace

5.6 Turn left onto the historical Ridgeway road and prepare for a steady uphill climb shortly after leaving the village

9.6 Turn right at the crossroads just beyond the junction signed for Manorbier railway station and follow this slightly bendy road downhill and on under a railway bridge

10.7 Straight ahead at crossroads (cross main road with care) following sign to Manorbier

11.2 Turn left following sign to Youth Hostel, and left again at the Military Range gates. Cycle past the Youth Hostel and on to the Skrinkle Haven Viewpoints car park with cycle stands. When ready, return to the main road and turn left into Manorbier

13.8 Manorbier Castle for an optional visit. The entrance is on the left just beyond (and ignoring) the side road junction down to the beach car park. The Trail continues along the road opposite the castle entrance, turning right after 50 yards and left following a sign down to the beach car park

14.0 Finish. Manorbier Beach Car Park

 

 

Points of interest along the way

Freshwater East viewpoint

Overlooking this popular resort with its wide sandy beach, once a favourite haunt for smugglers. Most of the village is located on the cliff overlooking the bay

Lamphey Church

An interesting building which is early medieval in origin

Lamphey Bishop’s Palace

The ruins of a magnificent medieval retreat for the Bishops of St Davids,located in a lovely rural setting. Plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. Detailed information is available on site. An admission fee may apply at the Visitor Centre. Palace is open daily 10am to 4pm. Reputedly the ghostly ‘White Lady’ may be glimpsed after dark between the palace and the village. She is thought to have been a member of the Devereux family who once lived at the palace

The Ridgeway

For many centuries this was the only road in the whole area and gave access for drovers between Pembroke and Tenby. The concentration of ancient monumental sites along The Ridgeway suggests that it also has prehistoric origins

Skrinkle Haven viewpoints

One overlooks Skrinkle Haven and Church Doors Cove separated from each other by a tall thin limestone ridge. Church Doors can be accessed via a 140 step staircase. The other viewpoint looks out over Caldey Island and, on a clear day, the north Devon coast. The cliff shapes carved by the sea on this section of coastline are quite spectacular

Manorbier Castle

Home of the C12th writer Giraldus Cambrensis. The castle is in a stunning location overlooking the beach with well preserved stairs, towers, rooms and battlements to explore. Open mid-March to November 10am to 5pm but sometimes closed for events. Fees apply

Manorbier Church

A C12th Norman church built on part of an earlier monastic site. A superb location with views across to the castle and out over Manorbier Bay

King’s Quoit Burial Chamber

Dates from around 3000BC

Dovecote

A recently restored and listed ancient monument built in the C13th to provide fresh meat and eggs for inhabitants of the adjacent castle

Manorbier Bay

A lovely place to chill out at the end of the cycle ride. Fossils can often be found in the stream bed running into the bay

 

ID: 3594, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%South Pembs Adventure Trail%'|Route like '%South Pembs Adventure Trail%'

South Pembs Adventure Trail

Overview

The Trail loops its way around that south-east corner of South Pembrokeshire, sometimes referred to as the ‘Welsh Riviera’. It offers spectacular views across Carmarthen Bay and allows you to explore the very popular and historically interesting resorts of Tenby and Saundersfoot. You visit the picturesque village of St Florence and have an opportunity to spend time at a special zoo nearby and two adventure centres offering a host of outdoor activities for the whole family

Fact file

 

Highlights

Superb seaside resorts, a historic town and villages, a wildlife park, and a wealth of activities and adventures to tempt trail riders of all ages

Grade

Moderate 

Distance

12.8 miles (20.6 kms)

 Time

 3.0 hours plus additional time for stops

Terrain

Mostly on quiet country lanes but with slightly busier sections in Tenby, New Hedges and the final approach back down into Saundersfoot. All sections of the Trail are surfaced. The Trail is quite steep for a while when leaving Saunderfoot, and when entering and leaving Tenby. You will need to dismount and push your bike on the section up into Tenby and you may also want to push your bike up parts of the other locations referred to above

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 295 metres

Start/Finish

Regency Car Park, Saundersfoot (Grid Ref SN135047, Sat Nav SA69 9NG). It is a Pay & Display car park and charges apply from March until November from 9am to 5pm. From the A478 road at Pentlepoir or from Twy Cross Roundabout near New Hedges, turn onto the B4316 road signed for Saundersfoot. In the village centre follow the one-way system and the car park (signed also with a ‘Tourist Information’ symbol) is on the left after the amusement arcade. There are cycle stands and toilets in the car park

Nearest Rail Station

Saundersfoot Railway Station 1.5 miles (Turn left out of the station exit lane onto the B4316 road following signs for Saunderfoot. Continue on the B4316 road to the village centre and follow the one-way system into the car park as above. On completion of the trail, re-join the one-way system up the hill and follow direction signs back to the station once out of the village)

Alternative Start

Kiln Park Holiday Centre or Tenby Town Centre – just join the route at an appropriate place in the ‘Trail Directions’

Refreshments

Saunderfoot, St Florence, Tenby and the adventure centres

Toilets

Saundersfoot, Tenby and the adventure centres

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Exit the car park and turn left into Brookland Place immediately before the car park road joins the main road. You are now following the route of the old Saundersfoot Railway. After about 200 yards you pass the 1st of two sets of bollards. Continue on past the 2nd set of bollards

0.4 At the ‘T’ junction bear left following the road signed ‘Unsuitable for Long Vehicles’. (You will notice that to the right of this sign a side road continues for a short distance and joins a path leading uphill. This is the start of The Incline, a steep section of the old railway where fully laden drams of coal on route for the harbour pulled the empty drams back up the hill by means of cables operated from a winding house at the top). Follow the road to the left of the sign up the hill out of the village. After nearly 200 yards the Trail turns sharply left and gets even steeper. You will probably want to push your bike up part of this hill and admire glimpses of the view back down towards Saundersfoot on the left

1.4 At the junction with the main A478 road you need to cross over to the road opposite, signed as Devonshire Drive. The A478 is the main road to and from Tenby and can therefore be very busy so take extreme care when crossing at this point. Continue on Devonshire Drive for nearly 21/2 miles ignoring any side turns

3.8 At the ‘T’ junction with the main B4318 road, the Trail crosses over to the side road opposite so again take care crossing this road. But before crossing you may want to visit Heatherton World of Activities to the left and/or Manor Wildlife Park opposite. Once across the road continue on the minor road signed for St Florence

4.2 At the ‘T’ junction turn left following a sign for St Florence. Once in the village, follow the one-way system to the left. Pass the church on the right and one of the village’s Flemish chimneys on the left. At the next ‘T’ junction turn left following a sign for Penally. You will be following National Cycle Network Route 4 for most of the remainder of the Trail and the signing for this will also help provide you with appropriate directions. Before continuing you may want to pause for a while to have a look around this pretty village

6.7 Junction on left for Ritec Valley Quad Bikes. If you make a visit, return to this junction afterwards and turn left to continue on the Trail. Otherwise carry straight on

7.7 At the ‘T’ junction turn left and join the cycle path. Follow this for about 100 yards, cross the adjacent side road and then cross the main road on the traffic lights. Follow the path for a few yards and turn right just before the house. After another 100 yards turn right and follow this road. On your right you will soon pass the largest surviving Lime Kiln complex in Pembrokeshire which closed in 1902. It’s worth going in briefly to see the ‘cathedral’ like structure inside. Follow the road in front of the mini-market taking the 2nd turning at the small roundabout, then take the 2nd right, signed for The Beach, which will take you to a bridge over the railway line. Turn left after crossing the bridge and follow the narrow road between the railway line and Tenby Links Golf Course – regarded by many as the birthplace of Welsh golf

8.8 At the point where the narrow road ahead starts to rise follow the narrow path to its right which takes you through a barrier alongside a small brick shed. The path soon widens into a road alongside a row of houses. Beyond the houses turn right into the South Beach car park. Toilets and refreshments are available by the beach. The Trail continues on the seaward side of the cafes. Dismount and push your bike up the steep and narrow zigzag path, well used by pedestrians, to the top of the hill

9.1 Once at the top of the hill, continue to push you bike along the wide footway on the seaward side of The Esplanade. This allows you to take in the glorious views of the South Beach and Caldey Island beyond. It also saves you from having to cycle around a longer one-way traffic system in the town which can be quite busy. There are cycle stands at the other end of The Esplanade. This is a good place to secure your bike and take time to stroll around the very interesting heart of Tenby within its town walls, accessed via the nearby arch

9.3 Proceed on foot under the archway into the Walled Town, re-mount and cycle for a very short distance before turning left into Lower Frog Street. At the next crossroads turn right and follow this road around to the left until you enter Tudor Square, the centre of the Walled Town. Turn left past the church and continue on this road until you see Tenby’s North Beach on your right. Go straight ahead at the small mini-roundabout and follow this road for over 1/4 mile. Be careful because this road can be quite busy

10.0 Just after a sweeping left hand bend, turn right onto a road signed ‘Mayfield Drive leading to Slippery Back’. Carry on to the top of this quite steep hill which leads you through to a narrower bridleway path just beyond the cemetery. After about 1/4 mile the path widens. Continue past some houses and down the hill

10.7 Just before the junction with the main A478 road, turn right onto a cycle path and continue until it meets a side road leading up to New Hedges Village. Follow this side road up the hill and on through the village for about 1/2 mile

11.5 Just before the ‘T’ junction join a cycle path on the right. Follow this up for a short distance, cross the road and turn left. Continue on this cycle path alongside the road

11.8 Rejoin the road at the end of the path and turn right. After nearly 1/2 mile you will arrive back at Saundersfoot. Carefully descend the hill

12.7 At the ‘T’ junction with the B4316 road turn left. Take care as this next short section of road can be quite busy. After 100 yards turn left before the Tesco Express Store

12.8 Finish at Regency Car Park

 

 

Points of interest along the way

Saundersfoot

A fishing village located in the heart of the National Park and one of the most popular seaside resorts in the UK. Long ago it was just a few medieval cottages in a forest clearing used as a hunting ground by the Norman Earls of Pembroke. Then in the 19th Century it grew into a thriving coal port and exported 30,000 tons annually from its harbour. When the coal industry vanished, Saundersfoot evolved into a seaside resort.

The Incline

Formerly part of the main line of the Saundersfoot Railway which opened in 1832 between the harbour and the coalfields to the north-west including Bonville’s Court and Thomas Chapel. The self-acting incline was some 300 yards long on a gradient of 1 in 5. The ruins of the winding house can still be seen at the summit of the Incline

Heatherton World of Activities

An award winning attraction with free admission (pay as you play). Open throughout the year from 10am. Check their website: Heatherton for daily closing times as this varies. The attraction is split into 4 different activity zones – family fun, adrenaline, play, and golf & bowls. Toilets and refreshments available on site

Manor Wildlife Park

Open every day 10am to 6pm. Fees apply – see website: Manor Wildlife Park for more information. A well laid out zoo which provides something a little different from other wildlife parks in that you can help feed the animals and even enter some of the very large animal enclosures. This allows you to interact more with the animals and their environment than would usually be the case.

St Florence

A charming and quaint little village dating back to Norman times with pretty cottages and ‘Flemish’ chimneys. There is also an interesting 12th Century church dedicated to St Florentius. Once a small tidal port on the Rhydeg (now anglicised to The Ritec) until a barrier was constructed in 1820 across the mouth of the river to create new pasture land between Tenby and Penally

Ritec Valley Quad Bikes

If you feel like an exhilarating break from your leisurely cycling trail, have a go on a 4-wheel motorised sports bike. The centre has over 12 kms of quad bike trails in an area of over 100 acres including woodland, steep hills and flat fields. Check the website: Ritec Valley for opening times, fees and bookings

Tenby

A delightful picturesque harbour town and seaside resort which is steeped in ancient history and with its core area surrounded by medieval stone walls. Tenby still retains a strong sense of its rich and fascinating heritage. The ruins of Tenby Castle can be seen on the headland overlooking the harbour. There is so much to see including the Museum and Art Gallery, the Tudor Merchant’s House and St Mary’s, one of the largest churches in Wales

ID: 4569, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Gwaun Valley Trail%'|Route like '%Gwaun Valley Trail%'

Gwaun Valley Trail

Overview

A peaceful, idyllic and easy to cycle trail with interesting places to stop and explore. The Gwaun Valley (or Cwm Gwaun in Welsh) is a relic of the ice age, formed by melt water flowing as the glaciers retreated. It is described in the Rough Guide as one of the great surprises of Pembrokeshire. The valley sides are heavily wooded and the Trail follows a section of the River Gwaun as it makes its way from the Preseli hills down to Lower Fishguard. Many families have lived in the valley for generations and have retained aspects of Welsh life which date back centuries. Locals continue to follow the tradition of the pre-1752 Julian calendar and celebrate New Year (Hen Galan in Welsh) on 13th January. On the Trail you will have an opportunity to explore the sleepy little hamlet of Pontfaen, some very ancient pillar stones, churches and an abundance of wildlife and flowers

Fact file

Highlights

A place to escape the crowds along a beautiful and remote steep sided valley noted for its woodlands, wildlife and local traditions stemming back generations

Grade: Easy

Distance

6 miles (9.7 km)

Time

11/4 hours plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

Allt Clun Car Park and Picnic Site. (Grid Ref SN005348, Sat Nav SA65 9SB). Follow the B4313 Fishguard to Narberth Road to a point nearly a mile south-east of Llanychaer. Turn into a side road signed Cwm Gwaun. Follow this narrow road downhill for 1/mile and the car park is on the right opposite a red telephone kiosk

Nearest Station

Fishguard and Goodwick Railway Station is just over 5 miles away. Cross the road outside the station and follow the cycle path down and around the 2 roundabouts to the start of National Cycle Network Route 4 on the seafront. Follow Route 4 from Goodwick to a point just west of Fishguard, Route 47 through Fishguard to a point nearly a mile beyond Llanychaer, and Route 82 to the start of the Trail

Terrain

The Trail follows a quiet country lane along the valley floor. There are no steep hills unless you get tempted to follow the short optional extra bits of trail referred to in the directions section

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections)  -  175 metres

Refreshments

Drinks only at the Dyffryn Arms, Pontfaen

Toilets

No public toilets. Customer toilets only at Dyffryn Arms, Pontfaen

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Turn right out of the car park, over the bridge and continue on this road

0.6 Llanychllwydog Pillar Stones are on your left in the grounds of the old church. The grounds are accessible to the public but not the church building. Continue on the road

1.5 You are now approaching the very small hamlet known as Pontfaen. The junction to your right is signed Pontfaen Church. The Trail carries straight on at this point but you have the option of turning right and over the bridge to visit St Brynach’s Church up the hill on the other side of the valley. The round trip is about half a mile. Once back, continue on the Trail as before and ignore the side turning to the left. Just beyond this junction is the Dyffryn Arms (commonly known as Bessie’s). A further 240 yards and you will pass Jabes Chapel on the left. Continue along the valley road

3.0 Sychpant Picnic Site and Pool is on your left just before a right hand bend in the road. After a brief stop here to explore, turn right out of the picnic site and retrace your route through the valley once again until you get back to the start of the Trail. However before returning back down the valley from Sychpant, you have the option of cycling even further up the valley before turning around and heading back. This is all part of National Cycle Network Route 82 but is a bit hillier than the lower section of valley. If you decide to cycle further up the valley you will soon pass the very steep access up to Penlan Uchaf Gardens and Tea Room with stunning views across the valley to the Preseli mountains beyond. Another 2 miles and you arrive at a local brewing centre and beyond that is an interesting candle workshop and small museum

6.0 Trail finish

 

 

Points of interest along the way

Llanychllwydog Pillar Stones

Five stones which can be clearly seen from the road in the grounds of the old church, now converted into a private house. Crosses of various designs have been carved into the stones, probably to Christianize the relics of earlier beliefs. This practice has been repeated at a number of sites in the area. A path through to an adjoining graveyard was recorded in Victorian archives as a location where ‘precursors of death’ premonitions had been observed – probably better not to overstay your welcome on this particular spot on the Trail

St Brynach’s Church

A very short but worthwhile detour across the river and up the hill on the other side will bring you to St Brynach’s Church, originally founded in AD540. In the circular churchyard are 2 pillar stones with inscribed Latin crosses, thought to date from the time of the Saint himself. Brynach was said to have had angelic visions at the nearby Carn Ingli (Mountain of Angels)

Dyffryn Arms

No trip to the Gwaun Valley is complete without a visit to this historic front room pub, a working reminder of the country pubs of earlier generations. Commonly known as “Bessie’s” - the landlady whose family has run the pub since 1840. There is no bar as such; drinks are served from a hatch in the front room

Jabes Baptist Chapel

Built in 1803 and one of the few remaining chapels in Wales which has an outdoor baptistery, filled from the local river

Sychpant Picnic Site and Pool

A site of Special Scientific Interest noted for its diverse range of plants and animals including 90 different species of lichen and 18 species of butterflies. This idyllic little place serves as a perfect resting spot but also a superb place from which to take short walks up through the adjacent woodlands to viewpoints above

ID: 4144, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Havens Trail%'|Route like '%Havens Trail%'

Havens Trail

Overview

A really picturesque and interesting trail which starts and finishes at Haverfordwest. On route you pass the lofty tower of Roch Castle before arriving at the attractive St Brides Bay Heritage Coast havens, once the centre of a thriving coal mining enterprise. Some old relics of this era are still visible for you to see. The coal measures, some of which are exposed in cliffs, have not been worked since 1905 and it is estimated that there is still a reserve of 230 million tons of unexploited anthracite buried under the sea just off the coast.

The sandy beaches along the Trail are hemmed in by high cliffs and on route you get to see spectacular coastal views right out to the islands on the northern and southern ends of St Brides Bay

 Fact file

Highlights

Superb coastal views, a castle, relics of a historic coal mining era and rich arrays of wild flowers and birds

Grade: Active 

Distance

22.5 miles (36 kms)

Time

4.5  hours plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

County Hall, Haverfordwest (Grid Ref SM956155, Sat Nav SA61 1TP). County Hall can be seen from Salutation Square Roundabout, Haverfordwest and the entrance is signed. The car park is available (free) for users of the Trail at weekends. Other nearby car parks are available on weekdays (charges apply) and all have cycle paths (on the road side) that connect to the start of the Trail

Nearest Station

Haverfordwest  1/4 mile (a cycle path leads to the start of the Trail)

Terrain

The Trail runs along dedicated traffic free paths and reasonably quiet country roads. It is hilly in places, particularly on the coastal section

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 515 metres

Refreshments

Haverfordwest, Nolton Haven, Broad Haven, Little Haven

Toilets

Haverfordwest, Nolton Haven, Broad Haven, Little Haven

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Turn left out of County Hall following the cycle path. Cross on the traffic lights to the path fronting the County Hotel, then cross the junction adjacent to the pedestrian over-bridge. After about 150 yards, cross the 3 (side by side) access lanes and continue through the bollards onto the semi-pedestrianised street that crosses the river on the Old Bridge. Once over the bridge, turn right at the roundabout and follow this road towards a ‘T’ junction. Bear left just before the junction onto the cycle path and after a few yards cross 3 adjacent carriageways using the traffic signals (the 3rd crossing bears to the right). Once across, turn left and follow the cycle path. At the roundabout cross the two minor spur roads and continue on the path. At the next roundabout cross the minor spur road and keep going on the path signed Pelcomb, Keeston & Camrose which runs alongside the A487 road

2.1 Cross a side road (signposted Camrose) and after a short distance very carefully cross the A487 road and continue along the path on the other side to a point about 1/4 mile beyond Pelcomb Cross

3.4 At the end of the path, continue along the very quiet road past the Camrose Community Centre. Then join the path alongside the A487 road once again and continue over the brow of the hill (opposite the filling station). Before reaching the bottom of the hill, the path crosses road again so take great care and follow the path down on the other side for a short distance until it links with a quiet lane. Turn right following a sign for Keeston and after a 1/2 mile uphill section you arrive at the village. Go straight ahead at the cross roads (following a cycle route sign for Simpson Cross) and after a short distance turn right at a ‘T’ junction. Follow this road for nearly 3/4 mile (ignoring an earlier side road junction on the right)

5.5 At ‘T’ junction turn right and then turn left just beyond the entrance to Cuffern Manor. Turn left at the next ‘T’ junction following the sign for Roch. This again is quite a hilly section of road

7.0 Enter the village of Roch. You will soon see the imposing structure of Roch Castle on your right. Continue cycling through the village until arrive at the junction with the main A487 road. Carefully cross this road and proceed along the minor road opposite

9.0 At ‘T’ junction turn left following a sign for Nolton. You will now be following National Cycle Network Route 4 for a few miles. After a very short distance you will glimpse the remains of Trefran Cliff Colliery in the hollow on your right and the wide expanse of St Brides Bay just beyond

9.9 Arrive at Nolton Haven (cycle stands and toilets in car park). After a stop, continue up a steep hill and turn right onto a road signed Druidston Haven. This again is very steep and you may prefer to dismount and push your bike while. Keep on this road, ignoring a side road on the left. The road soon descends quite steeply and then starts to rise again. About 150 yards or so into the uphill section you will notice quite an unusual underground house in the field on your right – commonly referred to as the ‘Teletubby House’. A little further up the hill is a stone path leading down to Druidston Haven. You also have magnificent views of the haven and the whole of St Brides Bay from grounds of the hotel further up the hill and from the Haroldston Chins viewpoint accessed along a surfaced path linking with the Trail just over 1/mile beyond the hotel. The next 21/2 miles of the Trail is mostly flat or downhill

11.9 At ‘T’ junction turn right following a sign for Broad Haven

13.2 As you enter Broad Haven, and at the bottom of the hill, there’s a path on the left (just beyond the bridge) leading to toilets and cycle stands. Alternatively carry straight on and bear right at the ‘T’ junction. The Trail now leaves the National Cycle Network for a short while. There are cycle stands adjacent to the seating area on the sea front and more toilets in the car park by the shops, pub and cafes. Continue up the steep hill at the other end of the village. The road soon descends sharply down into Little Haven and you will need to turn right at a ‘T’ junction on the hill before entering the village centre (toilets and cycle stands in car park). After a good look around, return along the same very steep road to Broad Haven. At low tide (tides clearly visible from both Broad Haven and Little Haven) you have the alternative of travelling between the 2 communities on the beach. This avoids the steep hills and is a very pleasant walk. You can either leave your bike on the cycle stands at Broad Haven or push it along the beach via the slipways at either end. Be sure to keep an eye on the tide to avoid having to walk back to Broad Haven along the road

14.8 At the sea front in Broad Haven, follow the main road as it turns to the right away from the sea. You are now back on National Cycle Network Route 4

15.2 As you climb your way out of the village, turn left onto a minor road signed Long Lane and carry on along this lane for over 11/2 miles

16.9 Turn right at ‘T’ junction

17.7 Join cycle path on left just before ‘T’ junction. Follow this path (including one road crossing) to Portfield Gate. Rejoin the road through the village and pick up the path on the left as you leave the village

19.6 Just before arriving at Haverfordwest, cross the road and follow the path on the other side for a short distance into Park Corner Road. After just over 1/2 mile go straight ahead at the cross roads and after another 1/4 mile turn right into a road signed ‘No Through Road’. Follow this road around to the left at the bottom of the hill and continue straight on towards Haverfordwest at the point where the National Cycle Network Route 4 turns right. A little further on go straight ahead again passing the entrance to Under the Hills Caravan Park on the left

21.1 At the road junction turn right onto the path alongside the road. Just before McDonald’s the path crosses the road. Continue on the other side and cross on the traffic signals following the cycle route sign for Town Centre. Carry on along the roadside cycle path for just over a mile

22.6 Finish at County Hall car park

 

 

Points of interest along the way

Roch Castle

A striking feature built on an outcrop of volcanic rock in 1195. It was one of a number of defensive structures along the ‘Landsker Line’ which separated the English and Welsh areas of Pembrokeshire. The castle remained strong until much of it was burned down by parliamentary forces during the civil war in 1644. It was restored from a ruin into a private house in 1910 and has recently been extensively upgraded into an elegant hotel

Trefran Cliff Colliery

The ruin of Trefran Colliery, marked by the tall chimney of its engine house, overlooks the southern end of Newgale beach. The mine was in use from the mid-19th century until 1905, and some galleries ran under the sea. The coal was loaded on trolleys and pulled by a traction engine to Nolton Haven for shipment

Nolton Haven

A small sheltered bay with a mostly sandy beach flanked by high cliffs. The haven has a long association with piracy. This was once a coal port and was used for exporting coal from as far back as the medieval period. On the beach, plant fossils can sometimes be found in large boulders at the base of the cliffs and veins of anthracite coal can also be made out in these same cliffs

Druidston Haven

Named after the early 12th century Norman Knight ‘Drue’. A secluded, long, sandy beach enclosed on 3 sides by steep cliffs. The haven has a number of spectacular cliff formations, natural arches and caves

Broad Haven

A small village with an attractive safe bathing beach of firm golden sand. It has been a popular seaside resort since the 1800s. The only evidence remaining of the coal industry is a large ‘Slash’ pond 200 yards inland from the beach which was formed in the 19th century by colliers digging for culm. The secluded and sheltered pond is now a haven for nature lovers. In the 1970s, the resort and the area around it was the scene of alleged UFO sightings and nicknamed the Broad Haven Triangle. At low tide it is possible to walk around the headland on the south side into a bay called The Settlands, and then around the next headland into Little Haven

Little Haven

One of the most delightful and quaint little seaside villages in the whole of Wales. Situated in a steep sided valley, the settlement dates back to the Iron Age and it was once a base for sea trading and smuggling. Coal from local collieries was once loaded onto coasters from the beach. On the south side of the haven a wide path leads to a point known as the Lookout, where steps descend to two small rocky coves known as Sheep Wash and Rook’s Bay          

ID: 4962, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Heartlands%'|Route like '%Heartlands%'

Heartlands Trail

Overview

A moderately long ride which starts in the grounds of Pembrokeshire’s County Museum at Scolton Manor. The Trail takes you through some interesting small villages off the beaten track and in the heartlands of the county. It offers glorious distant views and a variety of wildlife. A number of historical sites can be visited including a Neolithic settlement which is well over 5000 years old

Fact file

Highlights:

Rural countryside ride with fine distant views, small villages, museum, wildlife, parkland and sites of historic and prehistoric interest

Grade:

Active  

Distance:

25.5 miles (41 kms)

 Time:

5.0 hours plus additional time for stops

Terrain:

Mostly on quiet rural lanes with two sections on the B4329 road at the start and end of the trail. At one point it’s necessary to cross a section of the busy A40 road. This will require care, particularly if you have younger or less confident riders in your group. Advice on the safest way of crossing is given in the Trail Directions. There are fairly steep uphill sections in places and these are referred to in the Directions. However the Trail standard generally allows for quite a comfortable ride for most users

Elevation:

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 480 metres

Start/Finish:

Scolton Manor Car Park (Grid Ref SM990217, Sat Nav SA62 5QL). Follow the B4329 road and the brown tourist signs from Haverfordwest By-pass (A40) for a distance of about 31/2 miles. You will pass through the villages of Crundale, Poyston Cross and the tiny hamlet of Bethlemem. Scolton Manor entrance is on your left just after the narrow railway bridge. Once through the main gates bear left to the car park. There is a parking charge of £3.50

Nearest Rail Station:

Clarbeston Road Railway Station 3.0 miles (Follow the road north from the railway bridge past the red telephone kiosk and turn left just before the pub. After 1/mile turn left at the cross roads and after a further 2 miles you reach a junction with the B4329 road. Turn left and Scolton Manor entrance is signed on the right about 1/2 mile down this road)

Alternative Start:

Wolfscastle Free Parking Area (Grid Ref SM956263, Sat Nav SA62 5LU). Adjacent to west side of A40 and accessed via a junction signed ‘Pottery’

Refreshments:

Scolton Manor, Hanger Five and pubs at Hayscastle Cross, Wolfscastle and Spittal

Toilets:

Scolton Manor, Hanger Five and customer facilities at pubs in Hayscastle Cross, Wolfscastle and Spittal

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Turn right out of the Scolton Manor main gates onto the B4329 road 

1.7 At Poyston Cross turn right at the junction adjacent to a red post box. After about a mile the Trail skirts around the northern perimeter of Haverfordwest Airport and then past the entrance to ‘Hanger Five’ indoor trampoline park. Refreshments and toilets are available during opening hours (11am to 7pm)

3.5 At the junction with the main A40 road, the Trail turns left and then right onto a minor road about 100 yards away. The A40 is very busy and cycling on it is not recommended unless you are an experienced cyclist. It is suggested that you dismount and push your bike along the nearside verge to a point opposite the far end of the other junction. There’s a small surfaced section in the verge where you (and any members of your cycling group) can prepare to cross with extreme care when an opportunity arises. Be sure to look in both directions and bear in mind that A40 traffic can be moving quite quickly. Carry on cycling when you’re on the minor road opposite, following the sign for Camrose. The road takes you down to the narrow St Catherine’s Bridge over the Western Cleddau River where you will need to give way to any oncoming traffic. The pull out of the valley beyond is quite steep but short

4.7 At the ‘T’ junction turn right onto the B4330 road and after 1/4 mile bear left towards Camrose. Once in the village, the Trail bears right but before continuing you may wish to view the outside of the old mill (first junction left, down the hill and over the bridge) and also pay a visit to the 14th Century St Ismael’s Church (second junction left). Then carry on up the hill through the more modern part of the village

5.8 At the 5-way junction take the first left following a sign to Roch. After just over 11/2 miles bear left avoiding a bridleway track on the right

8.0 Turn right at ‘T’ junction following a sign for Hayscastle. This uphill section is moderately steep but you will soon be rewarded with magnificent views from the top of the climb

9.9 At cross roads turn right for Hayscastle Cross

10.6 Turn right at the pub, and after 200 yards turn left towards Wolfscastle

13.6 At Wolfscastle, turn left at the ‘T’ junction adjacent to the pub. To avoid having to cycle along a short section of the busy A40 road, dismount and push your bike along the main road footway for 100 yards until you get to a junction with a side road signed ‘Pottery’. Then remount and cycle down over the river bridge and follow the road to the right under the road bridge. Just over 50 yards beyond this bridge and on the left is the signed footpath access to the site of the old Motte and Bailey castle. After an optional stop continue over the bridge and keep left up the hill towards Ambleston

14.4 Turn left onto an unsigned road and after a further 3/4 mile turn right at the ‘T’ junction. The road continues to rise for a further 1/2 mile or so. As you approach the   highest point (a couple of hundred yards beyond a bridleway junction on your right), the Garn Turne rock outcrops are in an enclosure to your left. Look out for a tiny gap and low gate in the hedge adjacent to a point where the road widens slightly. This provides access to the outcrop and the nearby chambered tomb. Then continue on to the top of the hill and beyond. The next few miles are relatively flat or gently sloping and you can again enjoy distant countryside views

16.3 Carry straight on at the cross roads following a sign to Woodstock, and straight on again at the next cross roads

17.5 Turn left at the cross roads following a sign to Tufton. After about 1/mile you will notice a slight double bend in the road just before a farm access on the left. Pause for a moment on these bends as you are now in the middle of a historical site known as Flemish Castle. This was a Roman Villa occupied from the late 1st Century AD. It probably contained a bathhouse and there are also legends of a golden table being buried on the site. Unfortunately little can now be seen of the earthworks that enclosed the villa other than from aerial photographs

18.7 Turn right at the cross roads following a sign to Walton East. After less than a mile turn right at the cross roads just after the 40 mph signs. Ignore the next junction on the left and turn right for Wallis just after a small cottage. As you enter the hamlet, keep right (or left) where the road splits and then turn left at the ‘T’ junction. A little further on turn right at the ‘T’ junction and bear right down the hill. On the left, after the bridge, is a pull-in with seats and interpretation boards relating to Wallis Pond and Moor. Continue up the hill and turn left at the cross roads towards Ambleston. Cycle through the village ignoring the side roads by the church

22.6 Turn left at the ‘T’ junction following the sign for Haverfordwest. After about 1/2 mile cross over a narrow river bridge and turn left up through Golden Hill towards Spittal. You may wish to dismount and push a little way up this hill as it’s quite steep. Bear right at the top

23.8 At Spittal turn right at the ‘T’ junction and then left following the road alongside the village green (there’s a pub 100 yards to the left from the ‘T’ junction). At the next ‘T’ junction turn left following the road past St Mary’s Church. Continue on this road for nearly a mile and then turn right (with care) onto the B4329 road towards   Haverfordwest. Scolton Manor entrance is signed on the right about 1/2 mile down this road

25.5 Finish at Scolton Manor

 

 

Points of interest along the way

Scolton Manor

Home of Pembrokeshire’s County Museum located in a traditional Victorian manor house. It is authentically furnished with period rooms and surrounded by 60 acres of park and woodland. Displays illustrate the history of the County and the largest museum collection is focussed on agriculture and rural life. There are woodland trails with sculptures representing famous Welsh myths, a walled garden, a visitor centre and a bee keeping centre. There’s a shop, tearoom and toilets available on site and a small admission fee is charged for entry into the museum itself. The museum is open from Easter to October (11am to 5pm) and the grounds are open all year (generally 9am to 6pm but closing a bit earlier in winter)

Camrose

A quiet little village with a 14th Century church dedicated to St Ismael. It has a mill (now converted to a private house) which was once the possession of Anne Boleyn. In the trees across the road on the hill opposite the mill is a Norman Motte and Bailey known as Camrose Castle. Sadly at this time the structure is badly overgrown and out of site above the level of the road. King William the Conqueror once stayed here during a pilgrimage to St Davids

Wolfscastle

Located on the confluence (or meeting point) of the Western Cleddau and the Anghof Rivers. It is allegedly the place where the last wild wolf was slain in Wales. The remains of an early 12th Century Motte and Bailey castle are there to explore and this was probably constructed on the site of an earlier Iron Age fort. Many believe this to be the birthplace and possibly the final resting place of Owain Glyndwr, self-proclaimed Prince of Wales in the year 1400. The castle stands on Pembrokeshire’s ‘Landsker Line’, an imaginary line drawn across the map of central Pembrokeshire separating the historical Welsh speaking area to the north and the English speaking south. The remains of a Roman settlement have recently been discovered near the village

Garn Turne

Hidden away behind a hedgerow and a very well concealed gate, this rocky outcrop offers magnificent 3600 views of the Pembrokeshire heartland. Between the main outcrop and the road is a Neolithic site dating from 3500BC. It includes a huge chambered tomb with a massive collapsed capstone thought to weigh over 60 tones. The ceremonial forecourt where pre-Christian rituals took place can still be seen

Wallis Pond and Moor

The 63 hectare Wallis Moor Site of Special Scientific Interest was designated for the conservation of the rare Marsh Fritillary Butterfly and the wet heathland and marshy grassland. Otters frequent the moor as well as birds of prey including buzzards, sparrowhawks and hen harriers. The pond was created by damming Spittal Brook to supply water to Wallis Woollen Mill which was in production for 200 years from about 1790. A network of local footpaths and bridleways have been opened up and restored during recent years

Spittal

A small village with a name corrupted from ‘hospital’ or ‘hospitium’ which was a place of accommodation for pilgrims on their way to St Davids Cathedral. Like Wolfscastle, the village stands on the famous ‘Landsker Line’. In the porch of St Mary’s Church stands an inscribed stone dating from the 5th– 6thCentury discovered in the churchyard in 1861. It is referred to as the Cuniovende Stone with original inscriptions in both Ogham and Latin but with only the latter now visible

ID: 4974, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Cresswell Trail%'|Route like '%Cresswell Trail%'

Cresswell Trail

Overview

A pretty trail that starts near Carew Castle. Numerous historical sites are waiting to be explored including a castle, a tidal mill and an impressive old country house with a story to tell. Well weathered relics of a former industrial era still abound and the Trail offers you the opportunity to visit an ancient maritime quay and a beautiful nature reserve. If time allows following the completion of the trail, you can walk over the medieval bridge at Carew and all the way around the millpond, one of the most beautiful locations in Pembrokeshire. On a still day when the tide is high the water perfectly reflects the castle and the nearby mill. It attracts many wading birds and is a good place to watch bats on summer evenings

 Fact file

Highlights

Sleepy rural hamlets, a nature reserve with salt marshes and tidal creeks, relics from a former industrial era, castles and a tidal mill

Grade: Moderate 

Distance

10.3  miles (16.5km)

Time

2 hours plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

Carew Castle Car Park (Grid Ref SN046036, Sat Nav SA70 8SL). The car park is free of charge and its entrance is directly off the A4075 road 1/4 mile north of the A477 roundabout (follow brown signs for Carew Castle). Cycle stands are available at the entrance and there are public toilets opposite

Nearest Station

Lamphey 3.8 miles. (Turn left out of the station access road and first right after the church following a sign for Tenby. After 11/2 miles turn left following a sign for Milton. At Milton, cross the main A477 road using the crossing island and follow the cycle path to the right. Continue on the cycle path and turn left at the roundabout following a sign for the castle. The start of the Trail is 1/4 mile up this road on the left)

Terrain

The Trail runs along quiet country lanes and roads. It is generally flat but there are a few mostly gentle hills

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 192 metres

Refreshments

Carew, Cresswell Quay

Toilets

Carew, Cresswell Quay

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Cross the lane from the car park onto the access path leading to the castle. The Carew High Cross is on your right as you follow this path. Join the path on your right (just beyond the Cross) which takes you down to the gateway adjacent to the main road opposite the Carew Inn.  Cross the main road (with care) and proceed along the road fronting the inn. It is advisable to push your bike along the castle access paths owing to the presence of pedestrians. In the unlikely event that the castle paths are closed, join the main road directly from the car park and cycle down to the Carew Inn and turn right. Be very careful as this road can sometimes be busy. After a short distance (just beyond a red telephone kiosk) the Carew Flemish Chimney can be seen on your left. Carry on along this road and just after Sageston School the road swings to the right and then to the left before continuing on past the Plough Inn

0.9 Turn left following a sign for Redberth. This road has been by-passed so is lightly trafficked

2.5 At Redberth, turn left into The Rise towards a red telephone kiosk in the centre of the village. Turn right at the telephone kiosk passing the church on your left. After just over 300 yards turn left at the ‘T’ junction (adjacent to a main road junction) and continue up past the large 3-storey farmhouse

3.3 Turn left following a sign for Cresselly

4.2 Go straight ahead at the cross roads following a sign for Cresselly

4.6 Turn left at the ‘T’ junction following a sign for Cresselly

5.0 At Cresselly, carefully turn left keeping within the hard shoulder alongside the main road. After about 25 yards, very carefully cross this main road onto the side road signed for Cresswell Quay. You will pass the entrance to Cresselly House on your right after a short distance along this minor road. Continuing on the road, bear slightly right just beyond the Cresselly House entrance following a sign for Lawrenny (ignore the junction on the left signed for Cresswell Quay)

6.1 Turn left at the ‘T’ junction and carry on alongside the river into the hamlet of Cresswell Quay where you will find public toilets and the Cresselly Arms on your left. After a stop to explore, carry on up the fairly steep hill for a short distance and turn right

7.6 At West Williamston turn right just before the red pillar box in the wall. Turn left at the next ‘T’ junction and right at the next. After just over 200 yards you have an optional stop for a visit on foot to the West Williamston Nature Reserve. You can secure your bike to the wooden fencing. Then turn around and follow the road back to the village (ignoring the side road on the left that you used before). At the ‘T’ junction next to the red telephone kiosk turn right. Follow this road for about 11/2 miles ignoring any side turns (or you may inadvertently end up at the local nudist camp!). Carew Castle will soon come into view as you descend a shallow hill

9.6 Turn right at the bottom of the hill onto a path running alongside the Mill Pond. It is recommended that you dismount and push along this section as the path can be   quite busy with pedestrians. The path will lead you around to a causeway with the Carew Tidal Mill at the other end. It is now safe to start cycling again.

9.9 After an optional stop to visit the Tidal Mill, follow the road back towards the castle until you get to the car park

10.3 Finish at Carew Castle Car Park

Points of interest along the way

Carew High Cross

This magnificent 11th Century cross is one of Wales’ most famous monuments. It commemorates Mareddud ap Edwin, joint ruler of the kingdom of Deheubarth (South West Wales) who was killed in 1035. The cross is beautifully carved on four sides with Celtic knotwork and key patterns

Carew Flemish Chimney

A conical stone chimney surviving from a house or cottage demolished in about 1870. These massive round, or sometimes square chimneys were part of the architectural style of medieval Pembrokeshire. The chimney here at Carew with its two ovens was used as a communal bakery until 1927 and was then used by two local families as an air-raid shelter during World War ll. It stands 5 metres high and was built of local stone

Redberth

A rural hamlet on the line of the 19th Century Tavernspite Turnpike road. The toll house is now a private dwelling. The original village is quite old and is surrounded by remnants of a medieval strip field system. During the Middle Ages, Redberth was the property of The Knights of St John of Jerusalem (or Hospitallers). In the early 19th Century it was the home of a famous and much feared witch known locally as ‘Old Moll of Redberth’ who confessed on her deathbed to having harmed scores of people with the occult powers she had acquired

Cresselly House

An elegant 18th Century country house now operating mainly as a hotel and wedding venue. The history of the house dates back centuries and had close associations with coal mining in the area. The house has many interesting features and is occasionally open for guided tours (check the website before visiting Creselly House)

Cresswell Quay

A picturesque hamlet situated on the tidal limit of the Cresswell River. Although nowadays it is quaint and quiet, it was once a bustling river port exporting anthracite coal from 50 small pits in the area. The quay is directly in front of the popular Cresselly Arms pub. The ruins of the 13th Century Cresswell Castle can be seen upstream from the quay. Stepping stones allow you to cross the river at low tide and follow the river banks all the way to Lawrenny

West Williamston Nature Reserve

A reserve of tidal creeks and saltmarsh, limestone rock outcrops, woodland and sheltered butterfly glades, all transformed throughout the day by the ebb and flow of the tides. Limestone was once quarried here and removed by barges floated in on high tides. It is now a haven for wildlife, wading birds and wildfowl. The reserve is owned by the National Trust and managed by the Wildlife Trust

Carew Tidal Mill

Built as a corn mill in the early 1800s and now the only restored tidal mill in Wales. It has two wheels which drive six pairs of millstones. Although restored to working order, it does not operate at present but the machinery, exhibition, audio commentary and interactive displays show how water has been used as a source of sustainable energy throughout the ages.

Carew Castle

A magnificent ruin of a castle with a history spanning 2,000 years. Set in a stunning location overlooking the 23 acre millpond, the castle developed from a Norman fortification to an Elizabethan country house. There’s plenty to see and do with a varied activity programme. Open daily 10am to 5pm. Fees apply which also include entry into the nearby Tidal Mill

ID: 5097, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Haven of Heritage Trail%'|Route like '%Haven of Heritage Trail%'

Haven of HeritageTrail

Overview

The Trail enables users to have a flavour of the rich maritime heritage of the Milford Haven waterway, praised by Admiral Nelson as one of the finest deep water harbours in the world. Heritage centres and museums are conveniently located alongside the route. These focus on the maritime history of both Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock from Quaker whaling times through two World Wars to the development of modern industries and waterside leisure facilities. The trail is nearly all off-road with superb haven views from two high level bridges

Fact file

Highlights

Mostly off-road trail highlighting the heritage of the Milford Haven waterway. Magnificent high level Haven views, interesting museums and historical buildings 

Grade: Moderate                                     

Distance

18  miles (29 km)

Time

4 hours plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

Nelson Quay Car Park at Milford Marina (Grid Ref SM903056, Sat Nav SA73 3AZ). (Follow the main A4076 road into Milford Haven turning right at the church into Hamilton Terrace. Take the first entrance (signed Milford Waterfront) on the left at the bottom of Victoria Hill. Carry on for just under 1/2 mile and the free car parking area is on your left overlooking the Haven)                                                                                              

Alternative start: Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre (Grid Ref SM962035, Sat Nav SA72 6WS). Follow the ‘Ferry’ symbol signs along the main road through Pembroke Dock. About 1/mile before the ferry terminal, the entrance to the Heritage Centre is through the gates in the blue fencing on the right. Pembroke Dock Railway Station is just over 1/2 mile away and its location is referred to in the Trail Directions. The length of the Trail can be halved by arriving at either Milford Haven or Pembroke Dock railway station and departing from the other    

Nearest Station

Milford Haven 1/2  mile. Follow the station access road for 100 yards up to a roundabout. Take the first exit from the roundabout (take care as this is a busy road) and turn right after a further 100 yards. Follow this road for just under 1/2 mile to the start of the trail

Terrain

Nearly all the trail runs along a dedicated cycle track. Two fairly steep but short sections between Lower Priory and Steynton, and between Pembroke Dock and the Cleddau Bridge

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) -  335 metres

Refreshments

Milford Marina and Pembroke Dock

Toilets

Pembroke Dock Car Park (in front of ASDA) and customer toilets at Heritage Centres, supermarkets, cafes etc

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Turn right out of the car park and follow the road around to the left. A more pleasant alternative would be to push your bike for a short distance along the walkway immediately adjacent to the marina. This runs alongside a number of cafes and independent shops. At the end of the red bricked buildings you will pass the Milford Haven Heritage and Maritime Museum on your right. After an optional visit, continue on past the museum and join the lower path on the marina side of the road. Keep on the red surfaced section of path. Cross over to the path that runs under the bridge and then turn right onto the road. At the next junction turn left and cycle over a Zebra Crossing. The road bears right and after about 200 yards join the cycle path (Priory Path) on the left which takes you alongside the tidal inlet known as Hubberston Pill

1.3 Turn right along the minor road through Lower Priory. The remains of the 12th Century Pill Priory can be seen on the right. Carry on under the railway bridge and up the hill to join a cycle path on the left, followed immediately by a road crossing. Continue in the same direction along the path on the opposite side of the road. After nearly 1/2 mile the path crosses over to the left hand side of the road again. The uphill gradient of the path eases as you approach Steynton

2.5 At Steynton traffic lights, cross the road to the right, then cross the main A4076 road on the traffic lights. Turn left onto the cycle path at the end of the crossing and follow this around to the right opposite the Horse and Jockey pub. Continue on this path for over a mile

3.7 At Sentry Cross Roundabout, cross the junction and continue on the cycle path

5.5 At Honeyborough Roundabout, cross the junction and continue on the cycle path. After 1/2 mile the path leads you over the Westfield Pill Bridge with glorious views down to Neyland Marina and the Brunel Cycle Trail which runs alongside the marina to and from the famous Brunel Quay. Exercise care whilst cycling over this bridge as the path is narrow. A further 3/4 mile and the Trail runs along the high level Cleddau Bridge with magnificent views downstream of most of the Milford Haven waterway. A picnic site on the right after passing through the bridge toll plaza (no charge for cyclists) gives you more time to admire the panoramic view over the Haven. Continue on the path down the hill. It soon merges into a narrow road which widens alongside a row of cottages on the right. Continue on this road alongside the cottages and join the cycle path just before the main road junction. Follow the path adjacent to the roundabout and beyond (do not cross the road immediately after the roundabout)

7.9 Cross the road at the traffic signals and then turn right to follow the path alongside Tesco car park. 250 yards beyond the traffic lights turn left into King William Street. After 50 yards turn right (the cycle path to the left from this junction leads you to Pembroke Dock Railway Station)

8.2 Turn right and cycle along the path for a short distance before crossing the road just prior to the roundabout. Follow the path alongside the roundabout in the direction of the Ferry symbol sign. Note the interesting 19th Century pump house in the middle of the roundabout

8.4 Cross at the signalled crossing, turn left and then right into Front Street. This was the first street to be built in Pembroke Dock, and you will soon pass the Maritime Heritage Museum on the right followed by the Martello Gun Tower. At the Shipwright Inn (the last of 7 or more drinking establishments that once existed in Front Street) follow the road around to the left and join the cycle path on the right just after the entrance into Pembroke Port. The path runs alongside the old Royal Dockyard perimeter wall. Once inside the dockyard you will see the Garrison Chapel on your right through the blue fencing. This is now the home of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre. The entrance to the Centre is a little further on. After an optional visit, turn around and follow the same route all the way back to Milford Haven

18.0 Finish. Nelson Quay Car Park, Milford Marina

 

 

Points of interest along the way

Milford Haven Heritage and Maritime Museum

Housed in the town’s oldest building, the Custom House which dates back to 1797. Your visit will take you from rural Georgian Pembrokeshire, to the arrival of whalers from Nantucket Island, from deep sea fishing, through the wars of the 20th Century and on to the present day oil and gas industries. Entry charges apply. See website for further details: Milford Waterfront 

Pill Priory

The remains of the 12th Century Priory are located near the head of Hubberston Pill at Lower Priory. It was founded for monks of the Order of Tiron, who afterwards became Benedictines. All that now remains is the chancel arch and some fragments of the walls, some of which are built into adjoining properties including The Priory Inn

Cleddau Bridge

This steel box-girder structure spans the river Cleddau between Neyland and Pembroke Dock. It is over 1/2 mile long and was built between 1967 and 1974 to replace a long established ferry service. From the Trail there are amazing views of the estuary from Brunel Quay at Neyland all the way across the Haven to the stacks of Valero Refinery in the distance

Maritime Heritage Museum

The West Wales Maritime Heritage Society operates this small museum in the historical Hancock’s ship building yard adjacent to the Trail in Front Street, Pemboke Dock. It provides an interesting insight into shipbuilding not only in Hancock’e yard but all along the Haven, together with associated trades and occupations. It is open most days in the summer from 10am until 4pm and entry is free. Check the Society’s website for more up to date information: West Wales Maritime Heritage             

The Gun Tower

An impressive stone structure built in 1849 and one of 7 similar towers built around the Haven to repel foreign fleets. The building actually looks like 3 towers joined together and is 3 stories in height. It has a basement containing the magazine and the ground floor houses the main gun battery. There are three 32 pounder cannons on the roof. The gun tower contains a museum run by the Pembroke Dock Museum Trust but, at the time of writing in late 2018, is closed due to water damage

Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre

Housed in the Garrison Chapel built in 1831 and considered to be the only Classical Georgian church in Wales. The displays inside focus on the military, maritime and social history of Pembroke Dock. They tell the story of the town from its origins as Wales’ only Royal Dockyard where over 260 vessels were built including 5 Royal Yachts. Later in the town’s history, the Royal Air Force based squadrons of flying-boats in the adjacent Haven and the town became the world’s largest military flying boat station, playing a vital role in the WWll Battle of the Atlantic. Entry charges apply. See website for further details: Sunderland Trust 

ID: 5099, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Crymych Trail%'|Route like '%Crymych Trail%'

Crymych Trail

Overview

The Trail starts and finishes at Crymych, a large village widely regarded at the capital of Preseli – the area around the Preseli Mountains. The views from the trail are magnificent and the route takes you through some interesting hidden away communities with stories to tell from by-gone years. There’s an opportunity to visit a late Bronze Age hill fort and a present day eco-village which has regular open days

Fact file

Highlights

Stunning views, ancient settlements, remote villages, tales of buried treasure, an eco village and a former mining community

Grade: Moderate

Distance

181/2  miles (30 km)

Time

4 hours plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

Maes Ploveilh Car Park, Crymych (Grid Ref SN182338, Sat Nav SA41 3QE). On the A478 road through Crymych, turn at the junction signed ‘Egwyswrw’ (opposite the Market Hall with its clock face), then turn immediately left into Heol Parc y Ffair. Turn left into the car park

Nearest Station

None within 5 miles

Terrain

Mainly quiet lanes but with short sections on the A487 road at start and finish, both within a speed limit. There is one very steep downhill section where special care is needed

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections)  -  440 metres

Refreshments

Crymych, Tegryn (Butchers Arms), Glandy Cross General Stores

Toilets

Customer toilets at Crymych Arms and Butchers Arms, Tegryn

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Leave the car park via the road and turn right. Turn right at the ‘T’junction by the Crymych Arms and then turn immediately left onto the A478 road towards ‘Cardigan’. The Trail initially follows National Cycle Network Route 47. Take the first right towards ‘Tegryn’ as you leave the village. There follows a fairly steady uphill climb for a mile with fine views of Frenni Fawr hill in the distance on the left. As the Trail snakes its way along the contours of some lower lying hills you are suddenly rewarded with stunning vistas south across Pembrokeshire’s rolling farmland interior all the way from the Preseli Hills to the adjacent county of Carmarthenshire. The next few miles are mostly downhill which should come as some relief

2.0 Turn right following a sign for ‘Tegryn’. (A public path directly opposite this junction takes you all the way up to the summit of Frenni Fawr, a very worthwhile and interesting outing on foot if you have time. Allow an hour for the round trip)

3.2 At the ‘T’ junction turn right following the sign for ‘Tegryn’. After entering the village, turn right just beyond the Butchers Arms and then immediately left following the sign for ‘Llwynyrhwrdd Chapel’.  Once past the chapel, the trail descent gets progressively steeper and the road surface can be quite wet under the tree canopy. Make sure this section is negotiated carefully. The trail soon levels out and on your right you may glimpse an alpaca or two grazing in the grounds of a yurts camp. As you enter Llanfyrnach you pass a row of old miners’ cottages on the right. This whole area was once the site of many silver lead mines and the remains of some of the mine workings may still be spotted in the trees and overgrowth. The route of the disused Cardi Bach railway runs immediately adjacent to the road

4.9 Turn right at the ‘T’ junction, and after 1/4 mile turn right again towards ‘Hermon’. As you leave the village turn left following a sign for ‘Llanfyrnach Church’. After about 100 yards you pass the church on your left and the old motte is on private land on the other side of the road

7.2 Pass the entrance to Lammas ecovillage on your right (check website for open days). A little further on and the Trail takes you through the pretty little village of Glandwr. Carry on past the red telephone kiosk at the far end of the village and the Glandwr Ogham Stone can be seen close to the road in the grounds of the chapel on the right. Continue on through the next village of Hebron and turn left about a mile beyond the village. Follow this tree lined road uphill until you arrive at a ’T’ junction opposite the Gothic castellated archway leading to the tiny church of St Cledwyn’s. Turn right towards ‘Efailwen’

11.7 In the next small village of Pant-y-caws (un-signed) turn right towards Glandy Cross

12.2 At Glandy Cross very carefully cross the main A478 road towards Maenclochog. After just 205 yards, the remains of the Meini Gwyr monument can be accessed through a kissing gate on the left. After an optional stop, turn around and follow the Trail back to the A487 road. Take the first left along a minor road towards ‘Mynachlogddu’

14.7 Arrive at Mynachlogddu and turn right at the ‘T’ junction. About 3/4  mile beyond the village, the rugged outline of Carn Menyn can be clearly seen on the left. Another mile and the road widens to form a lay-by just after a ‘Sheep’ warning sign. Across the field in the direction of the transmitter mast is the source of the Eastern Cleddau River. The bridleway to the left takes you about 250 yards to the start of a footpath which leads you to the top of Foeldrygarn. Unfortunately there are no cycle stands so if you intend to walk up to the summit you would need to either hide your bike or secure it to an alternative fixture making sure the highway remains unobstructed. The round trip to the top and back takes about an hour. After this optional stop, carry on along the same road. After 1/4 mile ignore the side road and bear right.

17.9 Turn left at the ‘T’ junction and follow the A478 road into Crymych. There’s a leisure centre on the right opposite the filling station where you could take a swim and/or have a shower now or after completing the trail

18.5 50 yards beyond Seion Chapel, turn left through the barriers into the car park and the end of the trail

 

Points of interest along the way

Crymych

The name of the village has existed since the dark Ages but as a community it only really developed from about 1874 onwards following the construction of the now closed Whitland to Cardigan railway, known locally as the Cardi Bach. It stands on the old Tenby to Cardigan turnpike road with another 4 roads meeting there so it was popular with drovers who gathered in the village before driving their cattle in a number of possible directions. As the place expanded, many of the businesses and shops had verandas to which horses could be tied. It resembled somewhere in the Wild West and this gave it its nickname ‘Cowboy Town’. Welsh culture here is strong and Welsh is the first language of most residents. Crymych is the source of both the Taf and the Eastern Cleddau rivers

Frenni Fawr

Originally called Cadair Facsen (the Chair of Maxen) and is the hill where Roman Emperor Magnus Maximus (335 – 388AD) allegedly came to hunt. It is also associated with stories of the Tylwyth Teg (fairies). The footpath up and across the mountain passes various Early Bronze Age barrows, one of which may hold the mythical Frenni Fawr treasure said to be guarded by a less than friendly ghostly spirit

Llanfyrnach

Famous for its Victorian silver-lead mines on the north side of the village, although minerals could have been mined here as far back as the 16th Century. The mines were greatly extended in the 1840s as a result of the high demand for lead. By the time that mining ceased in 1890, working levels had reached well over 500 metres below ground. The old miners’ cottages are still inhabited and there is still some evidence of the original workings although most of them are now hidden away under dense vegetation. The outline of a small Norman motte can be seen directly opposite the church

Lammas Ecovillage

A thriving example of low-impact rural development. The 74-acre plot is completely independent of all mains services, and all the homes at Lammas have been designed and built by the residents using local, natural and recycled materials. None cost more than £14,000 to complete. The ecovillage, at Tir y Gafel near Glandwr, runs guided tours every Saturday from April to October – see website for further information: Lammas 

The Ogham Stone, Glandwr

In the grounds of the Glandwr chapel, this 5 feet high stone has an engraved cross on one face and an Ogham inscription on one edge. It was brought here from a local farm where it served as a gate post but its original site was said to be on Mynydd Stambar near Llanfrynach. Unfortunately it is difficult to translate the markings as they were damaged by the impact of cartwheel hubs when it was used as a gate post. One theory is that it is a musical notation of some sort

Meini Gwyr

This monument is unique in Welsh prehistoric architecture, being the only known raised henge-circle. Sadly, all that remains of this once impressive construction is two lone stones in a field, although the outline of the henge circle can still be seen. The location of this important ‘ceremonial’ structure so close to the source of the Stonehenge ‘Bluestones’ and the Gors Fawr circle make it likely that it was once an integral part of the local Neolithic landscape

Mynachlogddu

This small village (translated ‘Black Monastery’ in English) is situated on a plateau in the heart of the Preseli Mountains. Between 1839 and 1843 the villagers here sparked a rebellion opposed to the Turnpike Laws that spread across most of South and Mid Wales. The Rebecca Riots were led by a local giant of a man Thomas Rees (Twm Carnabwth) and his grave-stone stands in the village’s Bethel Chapel (on the right as you follow the Trail into the village). Mynachlogddu is also thought to be the site of the Battle of Mynydd Carn in 1081 between forces struggling for control of 2 Welsh kingdoms

Carn Menyn

The name means ‘Butter Rock’ and is believed to be one of the main sources for the Bluestones used at Stonehenge. It stands close to the stone setting of Bedd Arthur (Authur’s Grave), thought by some to be the prototype for Stonehenge itself and claimed by local folklore to be the final resting place of the legendary British king

Foeldrygarn

This Late Bronze Age hill fort stands at the end of the Preseli range and is one of the most dramatically sited and visually striking hill forts in Wales. It is capped by three cairns which can be seen for miles around. Aerial photographs have revealed numerous hut circles on the summit. A legend associated with the summit is that a large flat rock, known as Ffald y Brenin, covers a store of gold. Near the start of the walk up to the hill fort is a stone plaque commemorating the ‘Battle of the Preselau’ when local people in 1948 won their campaign against a War Office proposal to turn the Preseli Mountains into a military training area 

ID: 5101, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%St Davids Airfield Trail%'|Route like '%St Davids Airfield Trail%'

St Davids Airfield Trail

Overview

A peaceful and very easy to cycle trail. Most of the original airfield was purchased by the National Park in the mid 1990s and landscaped to recreate the wildlife habitats that once existed here. Ponies and cattle graze the wet heath and hay meadows, and these help to conserve the wildlife. Footpaths and cycleways provide public access through the areas of land maintained by the Park. Inexperienced cyclists wishing to gain a little more confidence are able to follow a longer on-road route (including part of National Cycle Network Route 4) around the southern and eastern perimeter of the airfield site. This road is very lightly trafficked and generally level. It is referred to in the trail directions

Fact file

Highlights

A level, peaceful and family friendly trail on a disused airfield. Views of heathland all around and craggy hills to the west. During spring and you will hear a number of songbirds including skylarks

Grade: Easy                                      

Distance

2.5  miles (4 km)

Time

45 minutes plus some additional time if you follow the longer additional route around the south-eastern perimeter of the airfield

Start/Finish

Car Park near Fachelich (11/2 miles east of St Davids) (Grid Ref SM781254, Sat Nav SA62 6UB). From the A487 road between Haverfordwest and St Davids (west of Solva and Nine Wells), turn to the north following a sign for Broadlands Enterprise Park. After 1/4 mile (and just beyond the entrance to the Enterprise Park) turn left. After a further 1/mile the car parking area is on the right

Alternative start: Car Park south of Caerfarchell (Grid Ref SM796262, Sat Nav SA62 6UD). From the A487 road between Fishguard and St Davids (south-west of Carnhedryn) turn to the south following a sign for Caerfarchell. Continue through the village and straight on at the next junction following a sign for Whitchurch. About 1/3 mile beyond this junction is a widened area on a bend for parking    

Nearest Station

No rail station within 5 miles

Terrain

Easy and fairly level traffic-free trail on mainly concrete paths. Some small potholes and grass tufts but these shouldn’t present a problem

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 20 metres

Refreshments

No refreshments available

Toilets

No public toilets on Trail. Nearest public toilets at St Davids and Solva

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Follow the path from the car park around the perimeter of the former airfield

1.0 Just beyond the Gorsedd Stone Circle, carry straight on

1.3 At the end of the perimeter path you reach a gate leading to the alternative start point on the perimeter road. Turn around and follow the path back to the stone circle

1.6 Turn left just before the stone circle and follow this path for about 400 yards until you see the opening onto the main runway. Turn right and follow the runway all the way back to the perimeter path

2.4 Turn left onto the perimeter path again

2.5 Trail finish

Note: If you wish to extend the Trail it is possible to cycle on a quiet and fairly flat road around the southern and eastern perimeter of the airfield. This links the two Start locations referred to in the fact file. It also takes you through the small village of Whitchurch. The nearby hamlets of Caerfarchell and Fachelich can also be accessed via on-road spurs from the Trail

  

Points of interest along the way

St Davids Airfield

During World War ll, St Davids Airfield was the scene of constant activity as a RAF Coastal Command base engaged in the Battle of the Atlantic. Supply convoys in the Atlantic were under constant threat of U-Boat attack. One of eight airfields in the county, St Davids was opened in the summer of 1943. It had three runways from which squadrons of Fortress, Halifax and Liberator bombers were flown on maritime patrols. The airbase also had a hospital, barracks, hangers, a control tower and even a prisoner of war camp. Military aircraft continued to use the airfield until 1960 and it later became a relief landing area. Following a major restoration and landscaping project in the 1990s, part of the airfield is now classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Gorsedd Circle

The group of stones located adjacent to the Trail are the only reminders that the National Eisteddfod of Wales was hosted on the airfield site in 2002. Similar commemorative structures are to be seen at numerous locations throughout Wales and are the hallmark of the Eisteddfod having visited a community. Each stone structure is arranged in a circular formation typically consisting of twelve stone pillars and a large flat-topped stone, known as the Logan Stone, lying in the centre. The stones provide an important ceremonial venue for the proclamation of a future Eisteddfod which is traditionally completed one year and one day prior to its official opening. Portal stones which form a part of the structure point to the positions of sunrise on the summer and winter solstices

ID: 5102, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Cemaes Trail%'|Route like '%Cemaes Trail%'

Cemaes Trail

Overview

The Trail starts and finishes at the old port of Newport and takes you through parts of the ancient Barony of Cemaes in North-east Pembrokeshire. It offers magnificent views of both the Nevern and Teifi estuaries, dramatic coastal rock formations and inland views of the Preseli mountain range. It passes through some pretty villages and links a number of sites of historical and pre-historical interest.

Fact file

Highlights

A longish trail with stunning inland, coastal and estuary views, ancient settlements, historical churches, a ruined abbey, and a working watermill

Grade: Active

Distance

25  miles (40 km)

Time

5 hours plus additional time for stops

Start/Finish

Parrog Car Park, Newport (Grid Ref SN051396, Sat Nav SA42 0RW). Follow the Parrog sign from the main A487 road through Newport. The car park is at the end of Parrog Road on the right

Nearest Station

None within 5 miles

Terrain

Mainly quiet roads that include a few steep ascents and descents

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections)  -  718 metres

Refreshments

Newport, St Dogmaels, Moylgrove

Toilets

Newport & St Dogmaels Car Parks, and customer toilets at Moylgrove

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

 0.0 Start. Turn left out of car park. After 150 yards (and just beyond a right hand bend) turn left onto the coast path. This section of path is frequently used by cyclists but is actually designated a footpath so make sure you give way to walkers. After nearly 1/2 mile you will pass the site of the Old Castle on your right. Continue on to a wooden gate where the path joins a road. Turn left and follow this road over the narrow bridge

1.6 Nearly a mile after the bridge, and just beyond a large farm on the right, turn right onto a narrow road and bear left after a further 1/mile onto an even narrower road

2.9 In the small hamlet of Gethsemane bear right at the junction. After a mile or so, ignore the junction to the right and turn right at the ‘T’ junction just beyond. About 1/4 mile beyond this junction is a pull-in on the left and a gated access to the site of Nevern Castle. A further 200 yards down the road is a path (on the outside of a left-   hand hairpin bend) that takes you to the site of the famous Pilgrims Cross. The cross can be seen on the rock face to the right about 35 yards up from the road

4.5 Arrive at the small village of Nevern. Turn left at the ‘T’ junction and continue past the church (visit recommended) and then up the quite steep hill out of the village. After 11/2 miles turn left at a junction signed Bayvil (No Through Road). Turn left again for Bayvil Church a short distance down this lane. After visiting the church return back along the lane to the main road and turn left. Continue on this road for a further 11/2 miles (going straight ahead at the cross roads) until you arrive at a pull-in on the left. From here you can walk the short distance along a grass path up to Crugiau Cemais. After an optional stop continue for 2 more miles through the hamlet of Glanrhyd (ignore any side road turns)

10.1 Turn left at the ‘T’ junction with the main A487 (signed Cardigan) and almost immediately turn left onto a quieter road (signed Moylgrove). Follow this minor road for 11/2  miles (ignoring the first cross roads adjacent to a house) and turn right at a junction on a bend following a National Cycle Network Route 82 sign. Cycle all the way down through the wooded Cwm Degwell to St Dogmaels.

13.2 Continue 20 yards beyond a junction into a street called Mwtshwr on the right, and turn left following a sign for Cycle Route 82. This takes you alongside the Abbey and Visitor Centre, and the Mill (Y Felin) is a few yards down the road to the right just beyond the mill pond. The Trail itself bears left after the mill pond and takes you past the entrance up to the church. Turn left at the ‘T’ junction next to the Post Office and follow St Dogmaels High Street past the car park entrance and all the way up through the village ignoring the turning signed Poppit Sands on the right. You may wish to consider pushing your bike up this particularly steep section of the Trail. Follow the road to the right through the sharp bend at the top (signed for Moylgrove). The steep gradient soon eases and you will catch superb glimpses of the Teifi Estuary to your right. Follow this road for a further 2 miles and turn left opposite a red letterbox following a sign for Moylgrove (ignore 2 earlier junctions to the left – turn on the 3rd after leaving St Dogmaels)

17.1 Arrive at the small village of Moylgrove. On route you will pass the entrance to Penrallt Garden Centre which has a cafe and toilets for customers. Follow the sign for Newport in the village and turn right on the hill by the side of Bethel Chapel (signed Ceibwr). The road gets quite steep again after Ceibwr Bay but the hill is short. Go straight ahead at a crossroads and turn right at a ‘T’ junction just a little further on (signed Newport). Ignore the first two side road junctions on the left

22.5 Turn left following the sign for Newport (do not go ahead on the road signed for the Beach)

24.2 After the narrow bridge turn right through a wooden gate and follow the path back to The Parrog, Newport. At the end of the path turn right, and right again into the car park

25.0 End of trail

Points of interest along the way

Newport

A small medieval town and port on the lower slopes of Carningli mountain. It has a Norman Castle and Church and ancient streets and pathways leading down to the Nevern Estuary which is teaming with wildlife. The Parrog (where the Trail starts) was an important ship building and trading port for many centuries with imports including coal and limestone and exports mainly of wool, slate and herrings. Remains of the old limekilns and a storehouse (now a boat club) edge the Parrog along the slate quay walls

The Old Castle, Newport

Site of the original 12th century castle and the location of the first settlement in Newport. All that remains are some grassy ridges and hollows which mark the defensive banks and ditches which surrounded the timber castle. This was also the site of an earlier iron-age fort built to defend the harbour. Once power had been established, the Normans built a new stone castle further up the hill

Nevern Castle

The remains of a motte and bailey castle which was once a Welsh stronghold. There is not much left of it today unfortunately but you can still get a sense of its powerful position. It’s a lovely tranquil place to stop and take a short break on the Trail 

Pilgrims Cross

Situated on what is believed to be the pilgrim route to St Davids, the cross is carved in relief on the rock face. Under the cross is what appears to be a walled-up cave which is traditionally thought to contain a piece of the ‘True Cross’

Nevern

A quiet and picturesque village which was an important administration centre in medieval times. At its heart is the 12th century Norman church of St Brynach, who founded a place of worship here in the 5th century. The church and churchyard are remarkable for several stones inscribed in Latin and Irish Ogham script, and one of the finest Celtic crosses in Britain. An avenue of 700 year old yew trees lead up to the church, one of which continuously ‘bleeds’ red sap from its branches. Many myths and legends relate to this famous bleeding yew tree

St Andrew’s Church, Bayvil

A redundant early 9th Century church now looked after by The Friends of Friendless Churches. It has been carefully restored with its original furnishings virtually intact including the box pews and a three decker pulpit

Crugiau Cemaes

A Bronze Age barrow cemetery and Iron Age settlement. Superb views of North Pembrokeshire in every direction from the top

St Dogmaels

Once the largest village in Wales, it occupies a beautiful situation overlooking the River Teifi opposite Cardigan town. The ruins of the Benedictine Tironensian Abbey dominate the community and are one of Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful historical attractions. The church is next to the abbey, as is the Coach House Heritage and Visitor Centre. This Centre incorporates both historical interpretation of the village and the Abbey, together with a museum and cafe. Nearby is Y Felin which is one of the last working water mills in Wales producing traditional stoneground flour

Moylgrove

An ancient village of traditional painted cottages nested in a sheltered valley. Its English name comes from ‘Matilda’s Grove’, Matilda being the wife of a Norman Lord of the Manor who founded St Dogmaels Abbey and built Nevern Castle. Its Welsh name Trewyddel means Irish Village, Latin and Irish (not Welsh) being spoken in this area before the Normans arrived

Ceibwr

This small inlet and the surrounding area is owned and looked after by the National Trust. It is best known for its rich maritime wildlife and the spectacular folds in the rock strata in the cliffs. Overhanging its north-eastern side is a clifftop Iron Age fort, and about a 1/2 mile along the coast path in the other direction is a massive collapsed cave known as the Witches Cauldron

ID: 5103, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Dewisland Trail%'|Route like '%Dewisland Trail%'

Dewisland Trail

Overview

A picturesque long distance trail which explores the north west coastal area of Pembrokeshire and visits St Davids, Britain’s smallest city, on the way. It starts and finishes on the sea front at Goodwick next to the Irish Sea ferry port. This is also the start/end of National Cycle Network Route 4 which runs for 432 miles to/from Greenwich, London. On the Dewisland Trail you will be rewarded with stunning inland and coastal views, a number of pretty villages, a disused Second World War airfield, woollen mills, nature reserves and a number of attractive coastal inlets, historical sites and viewpoints. The trail links directly with the Preseli Hinterland, Settlements, Last Invasion, City West, and St Davids Airfield trails

 Fact file

Highlights

Discover the stunning inland and coastal beauty of north-west Pembrokeshire, formerly known as Dewisland and home to Britain’s smallest city. This longer distance ride will take you through an area of scenic and cultural interest, with roots extending back to and beyond early Christian and Celtic times

Grade: Active

Distance

50 miles (80km)

Time

All day - including time for brief stops at selected points of interest

Start/Finish

The Parrog Car Park, Goodwick (Grid Ref SM946380, Sat Nav SA64 0DE). Charges apply from March to October. On the A40 road at Goodwick seafront, turn at the roundabout towards the ferry terminal and turn right again at the nearby roundabout. The car park is on the left. An alternative free car park is available on the other side of the A40 road behind the filling station

Nearest Station

Fishguard & Goodwick 200 yards. A cycle path leads down to the start of the trail

Terrain

Mostly on quiet country roads with short sections on the A487 at Solva and St Davids. Gradients are generally shallow but are steeper in places particularly near the start of the trail and especially at locations where the trail passes through small coastal communities. None of these hills should provide a problem for anyone used to cycling. However you may wish to push your bike up some of the steepest sections if you find them at all difficult, and take particular care on any steep downhill sections. In reality dismounting on steep hills will not add considerably to the duration of the ride and will provide a short break from cycling and an opportunity to take in the views

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 905 metres

Refreshments

Goodwick, Solva,Middle Mill, St Davids, St Justinians, Whitesands, Porthgain, Trefin, Tregwynt (seasonal availability only at some)

Toilets

Goodwick, Solva, St Davids, Whitesands, Porthgain, Abercastle plus some customer facilities along the route

 

Trail Directions(distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Join the promenade path in front of the car park and turn right. The Trail follows National Cycle Network Route 4 (NCN4) initially so the signing for this will help with directions. At the end of the sea front follow the cycle path up the hill, cross the main road and continue up through and beyond a wooded area until you reach the junction with NCN47. Continue straight on along NCN4

1.3 Turn right under a bridge then immediately left onto another fairly steep cycle path. At the top of the hill the path runs alongside a main road before linking with a side road. Cross this side road (leaving NCN4), then cross the main road and continue to the right along the path

3.0 In the village of Scleddau cross the main road again and continue to the left for 30 yards before turning right into a minor road alongside The Gate Inn. After nearly 1/2 mile turn left at the ‘T’ junction. Continue on this road under a railway bridge and up the hill. Turn left at the 2nd crossroads 11/2 miles beyond the railway bridge, i.e. the junction opposite a farm. After passing through the small hamlet of Llangloffan with a chapel on the left, continue down the hill and over the narrow Llangloffan Bridge. On your left you will notice one of the pedestrian access points into the Llangloffan Fen Nature Reserve. Continue along the road and up the hill to Castle Morris

6.9 Continue straight ahead at Castle Morris crossroads following the sign for Haycastle Cross. Once out of the village, ignore the road junctions on either side at Penfeidr Farm and Cottages. Continue on to a crossroads and turn right. Follow this road and ignore a junction to the left and a junction to the right a little further on. Follow the road around to the left at this second junction and continue to a ‘T’ junction just beyond a small cottage.

10.1 Bear left at the ‘T’ junction and follow this road around to the right after 100 yards. Continue for 1/2 mile and then turn right (signed for Solva). Carry straight on at the next crossroads (again signed for Solva) and continue for a further 2.7 miles ignoring all side turns. Turn left 250 yards beyond Birtwick Park (again signed for Solva). Continue straight on at the next crossroads

15.2 At the ‘T’ junction with the main A487 road turn right towards St Davids. Cycle with care down the fairly narrow and steep hill into the village of Solva, over the bridge and along the main street and into the car park on the left.  After an optional stop to explore the harbour, turn right out of the car park and back along the main street. Turn left before the bridge (signed for Middle Mill). Continue on this road for 1 mile until you arrive at the small hamlet and Solva Woollen Mill on your right

17.1 After an optional stop, continue on the same road up the hill out of the hamlet. Turn left at the next ‘T’ junction and after about 1/3 mile you will notice a parking area alongside the road on the right. Go through the adjacent gate and follow the path around the perimeter of the disused airfield keeping the stone circle to your left. Turn right when the path rejoins the road. Ignore the first left turn (to Fachelich) and turn left at the second junction and continue until you arrive at a ‘T’ junction at St Davids

20.9 Turn right at the ‘T’ junction and cycle with care along the A487 road, go straight ahead at the small roundabout and down into the city. You will pass Oriel y Parc on the left. Keep left at the lower end of Cross Square following the sign for Porth Clais. Continue out of the city centre passing a side road junction on the left signed for St Nons (an optional 1/2 mile round trip to see the birthplace of Wales’ patron saint, St David). 100 yards beyond the St Nons junction turn right down the hill and then left at the ‘T’ junction (St Davids Cathedral and Bishops Palace are down a short lane on the right). Continue down over the bridge and up the hill the other side for 1/4 mile

21.9 Turn left following a sign for Treginnis. At the crossroads turn right following a sign for St Justinians and at the next ‘T’ junction turn left and continue to St Justinians

23.9 Turn around at St Justinians and head back on the same road. After passing two junctions on the right, turn left at the next junction signed for Whitesands. After about 1/4 mile continue around a sharp bend to the left. Continue on this road towards Whitesands and at the next ‘T’ junction follow the sign to the left. Then after nearly 1/4 mile turn right off the Whitesands road following a Youth Hostel sign (an optional 1/2 mile round trip down to Whitesands Beach may be made for sightseeing and a toilet/ refreshment stop)

26.7 After turning into the side road signed for the Youth Hostel, ignore the next sign for the Youth Hostel and carry on along this same road until you get to a ‘T’ junction. Turn left, and left again at the next ‘T’ junction ignoring other side road junctions to the left. Continue on this road for over 4 miles until you enter the hamlet of Llanrhian

32.9 At Llanrhian turn left following a sign for Porthgain. At Porthgain bear left at the red telephone kiosk. This takes you down to the harbour. Continue around the loop until you pass the telephone kiosk once again and return along the same road up to Llanrhian crossroads. Turn left

36.0 At the bottom of the hill you will pass the short path down to Aberfelin on your left. Continue up the hill to the village of Trefin. Bear left towards the end of the village following a sign for Abercastle. About a 1/3 mile beyond the village is a lane on the left leading to Longhouse. A short optional diversion from the trail (500 yards) will take you to Carreg Samson dolmen in a field on the right from the farmyard. You will need to walk a short distance along a public footpath from the end of the farm driveway to Carreg Samson itself. Once back on the trail, continue down the road to the seaside village of Abercastle

37.4 At the bottom of the hill in Abercastle, access to the harbour is via a 100 yard long cul-de-sac on the left. Then continue up the hill and beyond until you arrive at a crossroads. Turn left following a sign for Abermawr.  After about one mile and at the bottom of another hill you will notice a path leading off to the left on the outside of a bend by some cottages. (If time allows a short optional diversion may be taken along this path on foot through Pen-yr-allt Woods to Abermawr beach - distance 1/2 mile). Continue along the trail past the cottages and up the hill to a ‘T’ junction. Turn left

41.1 Go straight ahead at the crossroads and left at the next junction following signs for Tregwynt Woollen Mill. Follow the road around to the left just beyond the mill and turn right at the ‘T’ junction and up the hill

43.5 Turn left at the ‘T’ junction and immediately left again following the sign for Pwllderi and Youth Hostel. Following a brief stop at Pwllderi, turn around and follow the road back to the first junction on the left by the side of a cottage. Turn left at this junction, and then left again at the next cottage. Continue on this road for just over 11/2 miles ignoring the left turn to Strumble Head

46.6 Turn right at the junction signed Rhos-y-caerau. Ignore the next junction on the right and continue to the ‘T’ junction. Turn left and then right at the next junction

49.2 Go straight ahead over the main road onto a lane signed for Ivybridge. Once under the old bridge join a cycle path on the left and follow this all the way to the sea front path at Goodwick taking care whilst crossing the main A40 road. Turn left and follow the path back along the promenade

50.0 Finish at Parrog Car Park

 

Points of interest along the way

Goodwick

Once a small fishing village, now home to the Irish Sea ferry terminal and the Sea Trust’s marine wildlife exhibition at the Ocean Lab alongside the trail. Goodwick Sands is where the defeated French invasion force assembled prior to their surrender in 1797

Llangloffan Fen Nature Reserve

This 50 acre site with boardwalks and information panels is one of the largest surviving valley mires in Wales – a rare habitat for many species only found here in Pembrokeshire. Sometimes closed for ecological reasons

Solva

A delightful little fishing village with a stunning harbour and a host of interesting craft shops, galleries and eating places

Middle Mill

A small cluster of pretty buildings on the River Solva including the oldest working woollen mill in Pembrokeshire

St Davids Airfield

A disused World War ll airfield used as a RAF Coastal Command base during the Battle of the Atlantic. Now restored and landscaped as a wildlife    habitat

St Davids

Britain’s smallest city with its Cathedral, Bishop’s Palace and other early Christian and Celtic heritage sites nearby. The historic city centre is filled with galleries, gift shops and cafes. Be sure to visit Oriel y Parc landcape gallery and visitor centre as you enter the city

St Justinians

A stunning location with two lifeboat stations and a ruined the medieval chapel marking the reputed burial place of the 6th Century St Justinian (on private land)

Whitesands

A wide expanse of fine sand overlooked by the imposing volcanic outcrop of Carn Llidi. It is said that St Patrick set sail from Whitesands to Ireland in    the 5th Century after having a vision to convert Ireland to Christianity

Porthgain

A popular little harbour village, once a busy industrial port shipping out slate, bricks and road stone

Aberfelin

A rugged little cove with a ruined grain mill

Carreg Samson

A 5000 year old Neolithic dolmen standing in a magnificent location overlooking the bay

Abercastle

A pretty little village with a beach set in a sheltered cove. The harbour was the landing site of the first single handed Atlantic crossing (west to east) in 1876

Pen-yr-allt

A lovely short diversion on foot through magical bluebell woods to Abermawr Beach, site of Brunel’s proposed trans-Atlantic port and railway terminus which never got off the drawing board

Tregwynt Woollen Mill

An interesting working mill with shop and cafe

Pwllderi

Idyllic cliff top setting offering superb coastal views along the Dewisland coast down to St Davids

ID: 5726, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Preseli Hinterland Trail%'|Route like '%Preseli Hinterland Trail%'

Preseli Hinterland Trail

Overview

An interesting long distance trail around the Preseli hills area of North Pembrokeshire. It starts and finishes on the sea front at Goodwick next to the Irish Sea ferry port entrance. This is also the start/end of National Cycle Network Route 4 (NCN4). The trail also links with NCN47 and NCN82, and with the Dewisland, Settlements, Last Invasion, Preseli Stones and Crymych trails. It follows the course of the Afon Gwaun upstream through the Gwaun Valley and then on through the valley of Afon Nyfer before climbing up and around the eastern and southern foothills of the Preseli range. Apart from the superb views, there is so much to see as you cycle along this trail including numerous historical sites, remote communities, and a contrast of landscapes from ancient wooded valleys to mountains and moorlands

Fact file

Highlights

A scenic longer distance trail through the enchanted lower landscapes of the Preseli hills. Visit remote villages, ancient woodlands, moorlands and numerous sites of historical interest

Grade: Active 

Distance

51 miles (81 km)

Time

All day - including time for brief stops

Start/Finish

The Parrog Car Park, Goodwick (Grid Ref SM946380, Sat Nav SA64 0DE). Charges apply from March to October. On the A40 road at Goodwick seafront, turn at the roundabout towards the ferry terminal and turn right again at the nearby roundabout. The car park is on the left. An alternative free car park is available on the other side of the A40 road behind the filling station

Nearest Station

Fishguard & Goodwick 200 yards. A cycle path leads down to the start of the trail

Terrain

Mostly on quiet country roads but with a very short section along the main road through Fishguard (20 mph speed limit) near the start and a 31/2 mile section (generally downhill) along the quieter A487 road on the approach to Goodwick at the end. Gradients are reasonably shallow for the most part but are steeper in places particularly near the start of the trail, on the approach to Pentre Ifan, and at locations where the trail pulls out of some of the valleys. None of these hills should provide a problem for anyone used to cycling but you may wish to push your bike up some of the steepest sections if you find them difficult. In reality this will not add considerably to the duration of the ride and provides a short break from cycling and an opportunity to take in the views

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 1215 metres

Refreshments

Goodwick, Fishguard and Maenclochog

Toilets

Goodwick, Fishguard, Maenclochog plus customer facilities along the route (mostly public houses)

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Join the promenade path in front of the car park and turn right following National Cycle Network Route 4 (NCN4). At the end of the sea front follow the cycle path up the hill, cross the main road and continue on the cycle path up through and beyond a wooded area until you reach the junction with NCN47. Turn left onto NCN4 and continue on the path up the hill

1.2 Where the path joins a road, turn left and follow this road for nearly 300 yards. At the ‘T’ junction just beyond a fire station turn right. Take care on this next section as it’s a main road although a 20 mph speed limit is in place. After 1/4 mile turn left on the roundabout at Fishguard Square. Turn right just after the church and left at the next junction following signs for NCN47. Follow this road out of town ignoring any side road junctions

3.8 Continue through the small village of Llanychaer and after 1/2 mile follow the road around to the left. A couple of hundred yards after this bend, look out for the old farmhouse (Garn) on the right which has one of the best preserved ‘Flemish chimneys’ in Wales. A 1/4 mile further on bear left onto a side road signed NCN82 and Cwm Gwaun (Gwaun Valley). Follow this down into the valley, over a narrow bridge, and then along the valley floor for about 5 miles, rising out of the valley once again at the far end

10.3 In the very small hamlet of Cilgwyn, turn left following a sign for Newport. You will then pass the Bluestone Brewery Visitor Centre on your left. After 250 yards turn right away from NCN82 following a sign for Nevern. Continue on this road for over 11/2 miles ignoring any side turns

12.1 At the signed crossroads turn right and right again after 11/4 miles following signs for Burial Chamber. Continue up the quite steep hill for nearly 3/4 mile and Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber is along a short path to the right. Cycle stands are available at the side of the road. After an optional visit continue on the road for nearly 1 mile

14.9 Turn left at the crossroads (after passing a former school on the right). After nearly 1/2 mile continue on past an ’Unsuitable for Wide Vehicles’ sign. As you descend steeply down on the twisty road into a valley you will see the craggy rock outcrop of Craig Rhosyfelin directly ahead. The road drops into a ford – use the footbridge on the right to avoid getting wet. Craig Rhosyfelin can be accessed via a footpath on the right just before the ford. At the top of the hill (after the ford) turn left and continue with care along the main road for 1/4 mile

16.5 In the small hamlet of Crosswell turn right at the crossroads. Continue on this road for just over 3 miles ignoring all side road turns

19.7 Turn right at the ‘T’ junction and right again after 200 yards. Foeldrygarn with its hilltop forts will be clearly visible on the right ahead. After a further 11/4 miles turn right at the ‘T’ junction. Two access trails for walking up to Foeldrygarn are available on the right about 300 yards beyond this junction. After a further 2 miles you will pass through the village of Mynachlogddu. At the end of the village turn right following a sign for Rosebush. After just over 1/4 mile look out for Waldo’s Stone to the left and the Bluestones Monument to the right. Continue on over a cattle grid and a sharp bend to the left. Ignore the first junction to the left about 1/2 mile beyond this bend and carry on the next left turn junction                              

26.8 Turn left into the side road and follow this straight road for 1/2 mile. Turn right at the ‘T’ junction and on into Maenclochog village. Turn right at the ‘T’ junction in the village next to the café (there are public toilets in the car park 70 yards to the left). Carry on out of the village and take the first left following a sign for Tufton. After a short distance the road goes over an old bridge and passes a farm on the left. Turn left immediately after this farm

30.3 At the crossroads turn right following a sign for Llysyfran. Turn right at the next junction following a sign for Tufton (also signed ‘Unsuitable for Long Vehicles’). After dropping into and rising out of a valley, ignore the side road junction on the right. Carry on into and out of another valley until you arrive at a crossroads. Continue straight on over the main road following the sign for Letterston. Less than 1/2 mile further on turn right at the crossroads following the sign for Castlebythe

35.2 At Castlebythe go straight ahead at the crossroads along the road with a low headroom sign. This next 21/2 mile section of the trail goes through the remote community of Morvil and you may find a gate across the road which will need to be opened. Don’t forget to close it again after passing through. Before heading down into the valley you may spot the route of the disused North Pembrokeshire and Fishguard Railway on the other side of the valley floor. This section was operational between 1899 and 1952 and has a very interesting history associated with it. Hopefully it may be recovered as a walking and cycling trail in the future, possibly a part of an improved NCN47

37.7 Turn left at the ‘T’ junction and carry on along this road for nearly 2 miles until you enter the village of Puncheston. Turn right just after the Drovers Arms following the sign for Trecwn. This road will take you past a stretch of moorland with a distant view of the Preseli hills to the right. After about 2 miles follow the road around the bend to the left (ignore the junction to the right) and after a further 1/4 mile or so turn left at the ‘T’ junction. Then after 50 yds turn right following the sign for Letterston and go straight ahead at the next crossroads along the road with a low headroom sign

44.4 Turn left at the ‘T’ junction onto the main A40 road then turn right after 50 yards following the sign for Mathry. Take great care as this main road can be quite busy at times. You may wish to dismount and push your bike along a section of the main road verge and then directly over into the side road when the main road is clear. Continue on the side road for just over 1/4 mile and turn right at the crossroads. After just over 11/2 miles you will pass Jordanston Church on your left

46.8 Go straight ahead at the crossroads following the sign for Goodwick. At the top of the hill, and immediately adjacent to the hedge on your left, you may catch a view of a large Iron Age banked enclosure known as Castell Hendre-wen. Carry on to the ‘T’ junction and turn right onto the A487 road. Follow this road (with care) for just over 2 miles until you enter Goodwick

49.8 After passing the ‘Goodwick’ place name sign, turn right onto a lane signed for Ivybridge. Once under the old bridge join a cycle path on the left and follow this all the way to the sea front path at Goodwick taking care whilst crossing the main A40 road. Turn left and follow the path back along the promenade

50.7 Finish at Parrog Car Park

 

Points of interest along the way

Mynydd Preseli

A range of hills (or mountains if translated literally) formed by very hard volcanic igneous rocks. The high outcrops at the eastern end are the source of the Stonehenge bluestones. Because of their strategic location between Ireland and Britain, the Preseli hills emerged as one of the great centres of Celtic culture. The hills are littered with cairns and standing stones. Many of the old Mabinogion stories are centred here and tales of King Arthur abound

Goodwick

Once a small fishing village, now home to the Irish Sea ferry terminal and also the Sea Trust’s marine wildlife exhibition at the Ocean Lab alongside the trail.Goodwick Sands is where the defeated French invasion force assembled prior to their surrender in 1797

Fishguard

A market town with a small picturesque harbour nearby. Adjacent to the trail at Fishguard Square is the Town Hall where you can view the famous 100ft long Last Invasion Tapestry

Cwm Gwaun

A deep valley lined with beech woods. The valley is a relic of the ice age and is sometimes referred to as the secret ‘cwm’. It is certainly a step back in time – locals still stick to the pre-1752 Julian calendar and celebrate New Year in the middle of January

Pentre Ifan

Undoubtedly the most popular megalithic site in Wales with a location that is truly spectacular. A splendid burial chamber/dolmen dating back to about 3500 BC

Craig Rhosyfelin

An impressive craggy outcrop of rocks within a deep secluded valley. At least one of the famous Stonehenge bluestones originated from this site

Foeldrygarn

A late Bronze Age hill fort (capped with three cairns) which stands at the end of the Preseli range. It is one of the most dramatically sited and visually striking hill forts in Wales

Mynachlogddu

A small community where, in the 19th Century, villagers sparked a rebellion in opposition to the Turnpike Laws – this was the start of the Rebecca Riots which later spread around much of the country. Just after leaving the village you pass the Bluestones Monument and the Waldo Memorial Stone commemorating one of the leading Welsh language poets of the twentieth century 

Maenclochog

 ‘Ringing Stone’ in English, named after rocks in the area which have a musical property and can ring like a bell or gong when struck. A disused railway tunnel just south of the village was used as a testing site for Barnes Wallis’ bouncing bomb during World War ll

Morvil

A lonely place with a scattering of farms – sometimes referred to as ‘the lost village’. Chiefly notable because of stories of people seeing phantom battles in the sky above Mynydd Morvil – the hill ahead of you as you cycle down into the valley

Puncheston

A remote village with a strong link to the old days of the drovers – once referred to as the ‘cowboys’ of the Wild West of Wales. The droving routes were used to move cattle across the country and were kept well clear of the growing number of turnpike roads in order to avoid the payment of tolls

Jordanston Church

A small church, dedicated to St Cwrda, which dates back to the 13th Century. It has an association with a wealth of historical characters, including David Lloyd George (Prime Minister 1916 – 1922). His family farmed here and his father, grandparents and other relatives are buried in the churchyard

ID: 5882, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Heritage Coast%'|Route like '%Heritage Coast%'

Heritage Coast Trail

Overview

The South Pembrokeshire Heritage Coast extends from Caldey Island west to Angle Bay. Whilst some of this coastline is inaccessible by bicycle because of steep gradients, precipitous cliffs and a large military range, as much of it as possible is visited on the trail. A number of spur links are included to provide direct access to the coast or to locations with expansive views of the coastline. The landscape is spectacular with rugged cliffs, headlands, golden sandy bays, dunes and wind-sculptured heath land. The trail begins and finishes at Pembroke, close to the Norman fortress that’s the only castle in Wales never to have succumbed to an attack and the birthplace of Henry Tudor

Fact file

Highlights

A scenic longer distance trail through the wild, rugged and windswept south-west corner of Pembrokeshire. Visit beaches, coves, villages, historical sites and numerous viewpoints where you can stop and admire sections of the varied and spectacular coastline within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Grade: Active 

Distance

51 miles (81 km)

Time

All day - including time for brief stops

Start/Finish

West Street (free) Car Park, Pembroke (Grid Ref SM982013, Sat Nav SA71 4ET). Turn into West Street from Common Road, Pembroke (junction near Pelican Crossing). After 100 yards, turn right under a 6’6” height barrier into the car park. Remove roof mounted bikes before entering or use the adjacent car park (fee applies)

Nearest Rail Station

Pembroke 0.6 mile (Turn left out of station on narrow path under bridge then left along path for 50 yards to ‘T’ junction. Turn right and join a path on the right just before ‘T’ junction. Cross road before roundabout and turn left after 30 yards down Goose’s Lane (cycling contraflow system). Carry on alongside the old town walls, cross on the lights and carry straight on to West Street car park

Terrain

Mostly on quiet country roads but with short sections along Class ll roads and a very short section along the busier A4139 road. Gradients are reasonably shallow for the most part but are steeper just after leaving Pembroke and at locations where the trail climbs out of some of the valleys and coastal areas. None of these hills should provide a problem for anyone used to cycling but you may wish to dismount and push your bike up some of the steepest sections if you find them difficult. In reality this will not add considerably to the duration of the ride. It provides a short break from cycling and an opportunity to take in the views and admire the attractive hedgerows

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 795 metres

Refreshments

Pembroke, Manorbier, Freshwater East, Stackpole Quay, Bosherston, Broadhaven South (kiosk), Freshwater West (Kiosk) and West Angle Bay (some only open seasonally)

Toilets

Pembroke, Manorbier Beach, Freshwater East, Stackpole Quay, Bosherston, Broadhaven South, Freshwater West and West Angle Bay

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. At the vehicular entrance into the car park follow the cycle path to the left of the height barrier, cross the road and continue onto the lane adjacent to the park. 100 yards after the Thomas Street junction follow the path to the left (signed NCN4) before the lane joins the main road. Use the crossing over the main road and follow the red surfaced path between the adjacent minor road and the park for approximately 350 yards. You will pass a section of the old town wall on your left. Turn left where the path splits, go through the barriers and then turn right into the minor road up the hill. Just prior to the main road junction at the top of the short (but quite steep) hill join the narrow path on the left and use the crossing over the main road just around the corner. Once across, follow the path adjacent to the road for a further 75 yards and turn right into the lane signed Mill Pond Walk beside the public toilets and cycle stand. Continue down the path to the edge of the mill pond itself. Turn right and follow this path around part of the pond, over a narrow bridge and then around to the left alongside Golden Manor Nursery until you join a minor road. The very short section of path leading up to the minor road is narrow and you may need to dismount to pass another user

0.9 At the junction with the minor road (alongside the entrance to Golden Manor Nursery) turn right and continue under the bridge and down the hill to the right. Be careful near the bottom of the hill as the road is narrow with limited forward visibility around a bend. The steep uphill gradient just beyond this point soon eases as you progress along the route

1.7 Cross over the main A4075 road with great care, and continue on for nearly 21/2 miles ignoring any side road turns. Turn right at the ‘T’ junction and left at the next ‘T’ junction following the sign for Manorbier. After a further 21/2 miles turn right at the crossroads just beyond the junction that is signed for Manorbier railway station. Follow this road downhill and on under a railway bridge

8.3 Go straight ahead at the crossroads (cross main road with care) following the sign for Manorbier.

8.8 Turn left following a sign for the Youth Hostel, and left again at the Military Range gates. Cycle past the Youth Hostel and on to the Skrinkle Haven Viewpoints (with cycle stands). From the first viewpoint you will have a clear view over to Caldey Island and the eastern end of the South Pembrokeshire Heritage Coast. When ready, return to the main road ‘T’ junction and turn left into Manorbier

11.4 Towards the end of the village follow the road down the hill bearing left and then right past the junction leading down to the beach and toilets. The Manorbier Castle entrance is on your left just after the beach junction. Stay left and continue on this main road out of the village for 1/2 mile then turn left opposite Rose Cottage. Turn left again at the first crossroads and carry on to the pull-in on the right just beyond a bungalow. From this point you have a magnificent view of Manorbier Beach and the coastline ahead all the way along to St Govan’s Head. Proceed back to the crossroads and turn left. (Note – the above viewpoint can also be accessed directly via the Manorbier Beach road from the village. This reduces the length of the trail by one mile but the narrow climb up from the beach is quite steep)

14.4 Bear left at the ‘T’ junction onto the main road and after a further 150 yards turn left into a side road signed ‘Unsuitable for Motor Vehicles’. The short section of main road is quite narrow and can   be busy in season so take great care

15.5 Ignore the right turn signed ‘No Motor Vehicles’ and carry straight on

15.6 Optional stop just beyond 30 mph signs for 2 min walk to Freshwater East viewpoint

15.9 Turn left between the bollards into the side road by the village notice board and left again at the next ‘T’ junction. Carry on down the hill and the beach can be accessed on the left just before the narrow bridge (cycle stands nearby). Then continue up the steep hill out of Freshwater East, passing through the small hamlet of East Trewent (ignoring the two right turn junctions). At the top of the hill enjoy the magnificent views back to Manorbier and the Gower coast in the distance. A mile beyond East Trewent turn left at the junction following the sign for Stackpole Quay. After an optional stop at the quay, return back up to the junction and turn left. Then continue down the road into and through the village of Stackpole

21.4 Turn left at the ‘T’ junction following a sign for Bosherston. After just over 1/4 mile turn left again following another sign for Bosherston. Once you enter the village, a side road to the left just after the church leads you down to the car par (and cycle stands) from where you can take an optional short walk down to the Lily Ponds. Then continue through the village past the café and pub and turn left following a sign for Broad Haven. Follow this road for a mile until you arrive at the car park overlooking Broad Haven South beach. After another optional break turn around and head back to Bosherston then turn left at the ‘T’ junction following the St Govan’s sign (note that the road access to St Govan’s is sometimes closed during live firing exercises on the adjacent Castlemartin Range. If closed, continue back through Bosherston as below)

26.3 Arrive at St Govan’s (cycle stands in car park). From here you can access the cliff side walk and the tiny St Govan’s Chapel built into the cliff. After a brief but very worthwhile visit, turn around and follow the road back through Bosherston. Once out of the 30 mph speed limit continue for nearly 3/4 mile and turn left into a side road on a right hand bend in the road. After another 1/2 mile turn right (avoid the straight on road signed ‘Unsuitable for Motors’)

29.7 Just after the Lyserry Barns complex go straight ahead at the crossroads. At the next ‘T’ junction turn left. After nearly 1/2 mile turn right at the ‘T’ junction alongside St Twynnells Church. Turn left at the next ‘T’ junction following the sign for Castlemartin. As you leave St Twynnells village bear right onto a side road again signed for Castlemartin

31.7 Go straight ahead at the crossroads. After just over 1/4 mile you will pass the Castlemartin Range Spectator Area on the left. After 3/4 mile you will arrive at the old Castlemartin Pound in the middle of the road. Go straight ahead following the sign for Freshwater West. After 11/2 miles you will have your first view of Freshwater West and the extensive dunes or burrows stretching inland from the beach. Continue on along the road through the dunes and beyond

36.0 Turn left at the ‘T’ junction following the sign for Angle. Carry on for over 2 miles ignoring the two junctions on the right (including the one signed for Angle). Follow the hairpin turn in the road to the right and continue on to the ‘T’ junction. Turn left

39.0 After an optional brief stop at West Angle Bay (cycle stands in the car park at the café entrance) turn around and follow the road back through Angle. Continue all the way through the village passing the church on your left. Turn left just after the church and once over the small bridge bear right and follow the un-surfaced and slightly bumpy track along the foreshore for nearly 1/2 mile to the Old Point House Inn overlooking Angle Bay (be aware that the track leading to/from the Point House can be submerged at times of very high tide). Then turn around and head back to the village turning left at the ‘T’ junction

40.9 Turn right at the junction signed for Pembroke and after just over 1/2 mile turn left at the ‘T’ junction. Carry on for nearly 3 miles (ignoring the right turn signed Freshwater West). Turn left just after Newton Farm at the junction signed for Rhoscrowther. Nearly a mile down this road turn right at the crossroads. Over the last couple of miles you will have had a clear view of the nearby Valero Oil Refinery, a sharp contrast to the previous coastal scenery

46.6 At the Give Way junction turn right and almost immediately turn left onto a narrow minor road. After 200 yards the road passes through some unfenced land. Bear right where the road splits on this section. Continue to the village of Hundleton. At the ‘T’ junction in the village turn left (with care) and almost immediately turn left near the bus shelter. Follow this side road for a short distance until you leave the village and turn right at the first junction. This will bring you alongside the picturesque Quoits Mill tidal inlet (take care on the steep hill down to the inlet and be aware that on very high tides the road here does flood for a short period of time). Continue up the hill to the ‘T’ junction, bear left and join the narrow shared-use path on the left. You may feel more comfortable dismounting for a very short distance until this shared-use path widens. Continue on the path at the side of the road for over 1/2 mile

50.4 Just after crossing the wide side road junction adjacent to Monkton Priory Church (on the left), cross the main road with care and continue on the shared-use path down the hill and around the bend to the left. A short distance after the bend, the path turns right away from the road and meanders down to the car park on the right

50.6 Finish at West Street Car Park

 

 

Points of interest along the way

Pembroke

A charming walled town dating back over 900 years. Famous for its Norman Castle, birthplace of Henry Vll and founder of the Tudor dynasty. The town also has a museum, lovely walks around the castle pond and town walls and a wide variety of places to eat and drink

Skrinkle Haven Viewpoints

The first viewpoint looks out over Caldey Island (the eastern extremity of the Heritage Coast) and the second viewpoint overlooks Skrinkle Haven and Church Doors Cove (the latter accessible via a 140 step staircase just along the coast path). The cliff shapes carved by the sea in this area are quite spectacular

Manorbier

A lovely seaside village with a fine medieval castle overlooking the bay. The village also has an interesting Norman Church, a restored Bier House and a dovecote below the castle walls

Freshwater East

A popular resort with a wide sandy beach, once a favourite haunt for smugglers. Most of the village is located on the cliff overlooking the bay

Stackpole Quay

A small but picturesque harbour nestled in amongst the cliffs on the National Trust’s Stackpole Estate. If time is on your side, take a 10 minute walk along the coast path to Barafundle Bay. Backed by dunes and pine trees this secluded beach has the air of an undiscovered gem. It has been voted many times as one of the best beaches in Britain and the World

Bosherston

A tiny village clustered around a church. The village provides an access point to the Bosherston Lilly Ponds – a stunning collection of lakes created in the 18th century and now a nature reserve

Broad Haven South

A wide sandy south facing bay with dramatic cliff views and a iconic limestone stack known as Church Rock just out to sea. The beach itself is backed by sand dunes and extensive National Trust woodland. An attractive feature is the stream of clean water that flows out through a sandy valley to the back of the beach from the nearby lily ponds7

St Govan’s Chapel

A tiny hermit’s cell wedged in a cleft between cliffs. It is one of Wales’ most magical buildings, built in the 13th century and marking the site where St Govan, a 6th century hermit, chose to live a religious life with only the sea birds for company

Castlemartin

A sleepy little village with the remnants of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, and a church dedicated to St Martin which houses an organ once owned by Mendelssohn. The village lies immediately north of a very large military training range owned by the Ministry of Defence

Freshwater West

This wide, sandy beach, backed by an extensive system of dunes has become synonymous with a surfers paradise. Its dramatic and rugged landscape makes it one of the best beaches to visit all year round. Several movies have been shot here including Robin Hood, Their Finest and Harry Potter

West Angle Bay

A small but pleasant beach with golden sands protected by rocky outcrops on each side. A perfect viewing point to observe ships entering and leaving the Haven. Just beyond the headland of the beach on the right is Thorn Island with its historical Napoleonic fort

Angle

A charming little village lying in a sheltered valley with a long and proud seafaring tradition. The 13th Century church stands in the centre of the village and its grounds include the graves of British and foreign victims of the World Wars. The interesting little Sailors’ Chapel behind the church contains a crypt. It was originally a receiving place, or Charnel House, for the corpses of drowned sailors. The Point House Inn dates from the 16th Century and legends tell of a fire which burned continuously in its fireplace for over 200 years. It was renowned as a haunt of pirates and smugglers

ID: 5896, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Blackpool Mill Trail%'|Route like '%Blackpool Mill Trail%'

Blackpool Mill Trail

Overview

The trail runs mainly along a multi-user route free from motorised traffic. Cyclists should of course give way to walkers and horse riders where necessary. Discover a section of the ancient Pilgrim’s Path known as Knight’s Way as you pass through beautiful mixed woodlands down to the 19th Century Blackpool Mill. From the splendid single arch stone bridge spanning the Eastern Cleddau look out for herons and kingfishers, and numerous tree-loving birds also in the nearby woodlands

Fact file

Highlights

A peaceful and family friendly trail along forestry tracks, a bridleway, and a section of quiet road. Cycle through areas of beautiful mixed woodland, river crossings and the site of the magnificent Blackpool Mill

Grade: Easy                                    

Distance

4 miles (61/km)

Time

One hour plus some additional time for stops

Start/Finish

Canaston Wood Car Park  (Grid Ref SN074140, Sat Nav SA76 8DE). Head south along the A4075 road from the A40 Canaston Bridge Roundabout. The car park entrance is on the left as you climb the hill. Direct access to the start of the trail is also available via a dedicated 1/2 mile long path alongside the A4075 road from the entrance into the Bluestone Resort

Alternative start: Canaston Bridge Car Park  (Grid Ref SN065152, Sat Nav SA67 8HS). Head north along the B4314 road from the A40 Canaston Bridge Roundabout. Turn left after 50 yards towards Llawhaden. The car park entrance is on the left after just over 1/4 mile (see Trail Directions - Mileage 1.9)    

Nearest Station

No rail station within 5 miles

Terrain

A reasonably easy and mostly traffic free trail but with a short steep ascent into Toch Wood where a dismount and push is recommended. The length of the trail can be halved (see Trail Directions – Mileage 0.9) to avoid this ascent but you would then miss the lovely section of track through Toch Wood. The trail through Toch Wood is stoned but in good condition - ideally suited for hybrid and mountain bikes

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 129 metres

Refreshments

No refreshments available

Toilets

No public toilets on Trail. Nearest public toilets at Narberth and Haverfordwest

 Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Exit the car park and follow the path alongside the cycle stands opposite the track leading into Canaston Woods. Cross the main A4075 with care and turn right onto the shared use path. This swings left onto the surfaced bridleway leading down through the woodland. Follow this for just over 3/4 mile

0.9 Just beyond the barrier turn right onto the quiet road. (Anyone opting for the shorter route as referred to in the ‘Terrain’ section should turn left onto this quiet road and then right after 100 yards to visit Blackpool Mill and the old arched bridge before returning to the start along the same route)

1.4 Take a sharp left following the green shared use route sign to Llawhaden. This junction is about 75 yards prior to the junction with the main A4075 road. After a further 200 yards the road merges into a path alongside a gate. Follow this path through an underpass and on to its junction with a road. Turn left following the surfaced path alongside this road

1.9 Turn left into Canaston Bridge car park (alternative trail start point). Follow the surfaced path (signed with a horse symbol) down and through the underpass. Continue on the path over the bridge (beware of the kerbed up-risers either side of the bridge) and then alongside the metal barrier into Toch Wood. This next section is quite steep and you may prefer to dismount and push for a short distance. Continue along the top section of path and down the other side

2.8 At the bottom of the hill turn left at the path ‘T’-junction and continue on over Blackpool Bridge and alongside Blackpool Mill on the right. Turn left onto the quiet road and after 100 yards turn right onto the surfaced bridleway. Follow this path once again back to the start point of the trail

4.0 Trail finish

If time allows, continue further into Canaston Woods in the other direction from the car park. Networks of stoned and un-surfaced traffic free trails are available to explore amongst the tranquillity and beauty of the woods

Points of interest along the way   

Canaston Woods

This ancient woodland has been in existence for at least 300 years and, like Toch Wood to the north, was once a part of the Slebech Estate. The woods have a wealth of history and were once used for hunting deer and wild boar. An ancient pilgrim’s route between Amroth and St Davids Cathedral bisects the woods with numerous pleasant diversions available to viewpoints and to old forts and chapels. The thick woodland becomes a sea of colours in the crisp air of Autumn

Blackpool Mill and Bridge

This imposing four storey corn mill was built in 1813 on the site of a former iron forge. It stands at the tidal limit of the Cleddau estuary. Boats transported grain and flour to and from local villages and the port of Milford Haven. The mill is no longer in use commercially but is intact with all the working machinery inside. Alongside is the splendid single arch stone bridge spanning the Eastern Cleddau River.   (Note – the mill is in the process of being renovated and is currently closed to the public)

ID: 6036, revised 04/06/2024
|Name like '%Coast and Borderland Trail%'|Route like '%Coast and Borderland Trail%'

Coast and Borderland Trail

Overview

The Trail starts at the coastal resort of Tenby and winds its way inland to visit a number of picturesque villages on route to Carmarthenshire and the estuary town of Laugharne, once home to Wales’ most famous English language poet, Dylan Thomas. It returns to Tenby along the spectacular coastal route passing through the resorts of Amroth, Wisemans Bridge and Saundersfoot

Fact file

Highlights

A beautiful longer distance trail with lovely coastal views, historic towns and villages, superb seaside resorts and a trip across the border into the neighbouring county of Carmarthenshire

Grade: Active 

Distance

45 miles (72 km)

Time

All day - including time for brief stops

Start/Finish

The North Beach Car Park, Gas Lane, Tenby (Grid Ref SN132011, Sat Nav SA70 8AG). Charges apply. On the A478 approach into Tenby, turn left at the roundabout following signs for Walled Town and Cottage Hospital. At the bottom of the hill turn left into Gas Lane and follow this through to the car park

Nearest Rail Station

Tenby 0.6 mile. Turn left out of the station. Carry straight on at the crossroads beside the church and turn left at the mini-roundabout overlooking the beach. After 1/4 mile turn right into the road signed North Beach Car Park

Terrain

Mostly on quiet country roads with a short section on the A4066 into Laugharne and a very short section on the B4316 at Saundersfoot. Gradients are generally shallow but are steeper in places, particularly where the trail leaves the coastal resorts of Laugharne, Amroth and Saundersfoot. None of the hills should provide a problem for anyone used to cycling but you may wish to dismount and push your bike up some of the steepest sections if you find them difficult. This will not add considerably to the duration of the ride. It provides a short break from cycling and an opportunity to take in the views and admire the attractive hedgerows

Elevation

Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 964 metres

Refreshments

Tenby, St Florence, Old Tenby Road Crossing, Laugharne, Amroth, and Saundersfoot

Toilets

Tenby, Laugharne, Amroth, Wisemans Bridge, Saunderfoot, plus customer facilities along the route (mostly public houses)

 

Trail Directions (distances in miles)

0.0 Start. Leave the car park and turn left onto the main road. Continue straight on at the mini-roundabout into the centre of the town. Turn right just after St Mary’s Church and follow this road around to the right. Turn left into St Mary’s Street at the Three Mariners and at the end of this road turn right. Continue on through the stone arch and turn left. Follow this road which overlooks the beach and join the path through the bollards at the end. Continue straight on along this path passing a play area to the right (give way to pedestrians as you go) then follow the steep downhill section of road at the end of the path. At the bottom of the hill go straight ahead following a National Cycle Network Route 4 sign. After passing 3 houses on the right, bear left onto a narrower path and continue straight on after passing through a barrier. The route will take you alongside a golf course

1.5 Turn right over the railway bridge and turn left at the ‘T’ junction in the Kiln Park Holiday Centre. Bear left just after the mini-market and continue along this road. On your left you will pass the largest surviving Lime Kiln complex in Pembrokeshire which closed in 1902. It’s worth going in briefly to see the ‘cathedral’ like structure inside. Beyond the lime kilns the road turns to the right. Turn left immediately after this bend and continue to the main A4139 road. Cross this main road on the traffic lights, bear right on the traffic island and cross the side road following the Route 4 sign to the left. After 100 yds turn right onto a narrower side road and continue on this road for over 21/2 miles until you arrive at the village of St Florence

5.0 Go straight ahead at the Give Way line in the village passing the old Flemish Chimney to your right, then turn right after 100 yds. After a further 200 yds go straight ahead at the junction. Follow this road for over 3/4 mile ignoring side turns to the left and right

6.0 Cross over the busy B4318 road following the sign for Redberth

7.0 After crossing the bridge over the main A477 road turn right at the ‘T’ junction. Take the next left towards Jeffreyston and continue for 11/4 miles before turning right at a ‘T’ junction. This will bring you to the outskirts of the village of Jeffreyston and you will pass St Oswald’s School on your left. At the Give Way line turn left onto the B4386 road and continue on this road for nearly 1 mile

9.7 Where the B4386 road bends to the left after a narrow bridge, take the side road to the right following the sign for Reynalton. Continue on for about a mile after the village of Reynalton until you arrive at a ’T’ junction. Turn left towards Yerbeston and at the next junction turn right towards Narberth

13.0 At the junction with the A4115 road go straight ahead towards Narberth. Then take the next right towards Templeton. After just over a mile you will arrive at Templeton. Turn right at the ‘T’ junction and then cross the main A478 road following the B4315 road to Cold Blow. After passing through Cold Blow continue for 3/mile to the village of Princes Gate. For information this short section of road was part of a long-distance turnpike route 200 years ago. It led from London and Bristol to Ireland via packet ships which sailed from Milford Haven. Turn right at the crossroads in Princess Gate following the sign to Ludchurch and after nearly 1 mile turn left at the crossroads towards Tavernspite. On a clear day you will see Lundy Island and the north Devon coast on the right. To the left is the highest point in south Pembrokeshire and local legend has it that this was the final landing place for Noah’s Ark following the great flood. Some local names have an association with this legend. Continue on this road for nearly 3 miles until you enter the village of Tavernspite

20.1 Turn right at the ‘T’ junction beside the village pumps then take the 2nd junction to the left following the sign for Llanddowror. After about 3 miles turn right alongside a property named Cnwce. This will take you onto a bridge over the main A477 road. Follow this minor road for nearly 11/2 miles until you arrive at the Old Tenby Road Crossing with a café on the left. Turn left and immediately right following the sign for New Mill. Continue up the hill and beyond until you arrive at a ‘T’ junction

25.4 At the ‘T’ junction turn left towards Laugharne. Half way up the hill turn right and continue along this road until you reach the A4066 road to Laugharne. Turn right and take care cycling along this main road which is mostly downhill

28.5 On entering Laugharne you will pass St Martin’s Church on the left where the poet and writer Dylan Thomas is buried under a simple white cross. After a further 1/4 mile turn left immediately after Brown’s Hotel (the favourite watering hole of Dylan Thomas). Continue along this side road following signs for Dylan Thomas Boat House which will lead you into a cul-de-sac where you will discover his famous writing shed and boathouse home at the end. Both have been preserved with original furnishings and memorabilia. After an optional stop, return along the same route and turn left just after the cemetery. You will pass another former residence of Dylan Thomas on the right – the tall house known as Seaview. It was here that the poet entertained a host of personalities including T.S Elliot. At the ‘T’ junction just beyond Seaview turn right and then left when you arrive at the main road. Proceed down the hill into the centre of the small town passing the entrance to Laugharne Castle on your left. Continue on to the car park on the left for magnificent views of the castle overlooking the Taf estuary

29.7 Re-join the adjacent road turning right and immediately left past the stone cross in Grist Square. Continue out of the town on the winding, narrow and quite steep uphill road. This hill is about 1 mile in length and has the unusual name of The Lacques which relates to the lace that used to be woven by the many Flemish settlers to the area. Less able cyclists may prefer to dismount and push their bike up sections of the hill. This should only add about 10 minutes onto the total journey time and you may feel more refreshed for the remainder of the Trail. Once at the top of the hill carry on cycling for a further 3 miles ignoring any side road turnings

33.9 Continue straight ahead at the cross roads following the sign for Amroth. After 11/4 miles turn right at the ‘T’ junction and follow this road for 4 miles until you arrive at the seafront village of Amroth. At the end of the village follow the road up the hill for 300 yds and take the first junction to the left which is signposted a No Through Road. After a further fairly steep 200 yds you will pass through a gate onto a cycle path with glorious coastal views to the left. Continue along the whole length of this path which was once a road linking coastal villages until sections of it collapsed into the sea

40.2 Proceed through the gate at the end of the path and down the hill, bearing left at the ‘T’ junction. This will bring you down to the small seaside hamlet of Wisemans Bridge. At the end of the beach follow the road around to the left and turn left through a line of bollards onto the Dramway path (formerly used for a railway carrying ‘drams’ of coal from local mines to Saundersfoot Harbour). Continue on this elevated path until you reach a tunnel. A bit further along there’s a second tunnel which takes you out alongside Coppet Hall beach and the ‘Coast’ building. Follow the path around the land side of the car park into a third tunnel. Cycling in these tunnels is not allowed so please dismount and push your bike through to the other end. Also this section of the Trail can be very busy with pedestrians so take care. When you exit the third tunnel you enter the coastal resort of Saundersfoot. Carry straight on along the road past a number of shops and where it turns go straight ahead alongside the edge of the harbour car park. After about 50 yds you will pass the old Saundersfoot Coal Office building on the right. Adjacent cycle stands are available if you wish to stop and take a stroll around the village

41.9 Just beyond the old Coal House turn right at the car park exit and then left onto the main road. On the sweeping left-hand bend on the hill, enter the centre lane and turn right. This can be a difficult and slightly uncomfortable manoeuvre for less confident cyclists who may prefer to dismount before the start of the hill and push their bikes along the adjacent footway up to and into the side road junction on the right. Continue up this side road and out of the village

42.9 Join the cycle path on the left immediately after the entrance to Sandyhill Nurseries and before the junction with the main A478 road. Follow this path around to the left at the nearby roundabout and cross the B4316 road just beyond the junction signed for New Hedges. After about 50 yds the path will link with the road leading down to the village of New Hedges. Continue on this road through the village

43.7 At the far end of New Hedges join the path on the left immediately before the road links with the main A478 road. At the end of this path turn left onto a minor road. After a 1/4 mile the road leads into a path. Follow this path until it widens into a minor road once again which takes you down quite a steep hill to a junction with a main road leading into Tenby. Take great care as you approach this junction on the hill and turn left onto the main road when all is clear. After a short distance turn left following the sign for North Beach Car Park.

45.0 Finish at North Beach Car Park

 

Points of interest along the way

Tenby

A delightful picturesque harbour town and seaside resort steeped in ancient history and with its ‘Old Town’ protected by medieval stone walls

St Florence

A charming and quaint little village dating back to Norman times with pretty cottages and ‘Flemish’ chimneys. Once a small tidal port prior to the construction of a barrier between Tenby and Penally in 1820

Reynalton

A small quiet rural village which is quite a contrast to 100 years ago when fine quality anthracite was mined here. It even had its own mineral railway linking back to the harbour at Saundersfoot

Laugharne

A small picturesque riverside town in the County of Carmarthenshire, best known as being the home of the poet and writer Dylan Thomas. Amongst all the pretty houses there is also a ruined 13th century castle and the world famous Boathouse where Dylan Thomas lived and where so many of his great creations were inspired

Amroth

A half mile long, flat, sandy beach with the remains of a petrified drowned forest visible at very low tide. Prior to the building of sea defences, severe winter storms caused major erosion sweeping away homes and businesses on the seaward side of the road through the village

Wisemans Bridge

Another little village behind a broad sandy beach with interesting rock pools. Anthracite from local coal mines was once loaded onto sailing ketches on the beach bound for cities such as Bristol, Swansea and Cardiff. The Wisemans Bridge Inn was visited by Winston Churchill and Allied commanders in 1943 when the beach was used as a training ground for the D-Day landings

Saundersfoot

A small seaside resort with a large golden sandy beach. It is more compact than Tenby but with a charm and character of its own. The harbour was originally developed as a coal port but the local mines that supplied it closed down over 70 years ago

ID: 7086, revised 23/07/2024

Cycle Pembrokeshire


Explore the countryside on your doorstep with Pembrokeshire County Council's series of cycle rides from towns and locations around the county.

 

ID: 3265, revised 24/07/2024
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